What Memorial Day Is Really All About
Memorial Day is more than a time to celebrate the beginning of summer. It is a time to honor our veterans. Learn more about this meaningful holiday and what it’s really about.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History of Memorial Day
- Memorial Day Traditions
- How to Celebrate Memorial Day
- About Opal Cremation
- FAQs
- Additional Resources
Key Takeaways
- When Memorial Day rolls around, many of us think about barbecues, taking the day off work, and the unofficial start of summer. But the holiday is truly about our veterans.
- Learning the history of Memorial Day can deepen your understanding and help you determine the best way to honor veterans, servicepeople, and fallen soldiers.
- Several Memorial Day traditions have been established over the years, such as The Remembrance Act, parades, and visits to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, but you can celebrate veterans any way you wish.
- Opal Cremation honors soldiers with free veterans’ services, including assistance with military burials and ceremonies.
Introduction
It’s easy to lose sight of the true meaning of Memorial Day when you’re barbecuing, sitting by the pool, and celebrating the unofficial start of summer. For Southern California families, especially, where the weather makes outdoor celebrations particularly tempting, it’s important to remember the servicepeople and veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country. They are what Memorial Day is truly about.
This article will take you back in time, providing an insightful look at Memorial Day’s history so you can learn more about its origins.
History of Memorial Day
An American Holiday Starts in Greece
The idea of commemorating those we’ve lost and celebrating their lives isn’t something new. In 431 B.C., soldiers who perished during the Peloponnesian War were honored with what might have been the first public memorial event in which Greek statesman Pericles gave a speech in their honor. Soon, ancient Greeks and Romans held annual celebrations commemorating the deceased.
A Day to Honor Civil War Vets
It took some time, but Memorial Day events eventually caught on in the United States. In 1865, after the Civil War, freed enslaved peoples and others came together to honor and bury the Union troops, singing songs and presenting flowers.
However, a day meant to honor soldiers only deepened the division in the aftermath. Those in Confederate states wanted to honor the soldiers who fought for their side, and they wanted a separate holiday to do so.
Fortunately, Union General John A Logan put an end to the division, calling for a day of remembrance for all soldiers on May 30, 1868– a day that was not the anniversary of any specific battle.
After World War I, the holiday became even more ubiquitous, honoring soldiers who fought in all wars.
Somewhere along the line, its name also went from Decoration Day to Memorial Day, a name that would stick.
Memorial Day Becomes Official
In 1950, Congress passed a resolution requesting that the president issue a proclamation calling on all Americans to observe Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which set Memorial Day as the last Monday in May. It became an official holiday in 1970.
“This will…enable families who live some distance apart to spend more time together,”
President Lyndon B. Johnson, explaining why Memorial Day is now on a Monday, sourced from the article, When Is Memorial Day 2025 and How Do We Celebrate It?
Although many places in the United States claim to be the first to celebrate Memorial Day, Lyndon B. Johnson signed legislation in 1966 stating it started in Waterloo, NY, on May 5, 1866.
Memorial Day Traditions
Several traditions have been established since Memorial Day. Here are some you may want to partake in.
- In 2000, Bill Clinton signed the National Moment of Remembrance Act, asking Americans to pause and observe at 3 PM local time. Ever since, Amtrak train drivers have been blowing their whistles when the clock strikes three on Memorial Day. NASCAR and Major League Baseball also pay their honors.
- Cities around the country host National Memorial Day Parades, with some of the largest in Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C.
- Tradition dictates that all flags should be flown at half-mast until noon on Memorial Day, then raised to full staff. This custom dates back to 1906 as per army regulations, but was formally codified by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in a 1954 proclamation.
- Every Memorial Day, the president visits the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to lay a wreath at the site and deliver an address.
Opal Cremation believes in honoring our veterans, and we do so by providing free services, including military burials and ceremonies. To apply, they must complete specific forms, submit them online or in person, and follow the guidelines. Although benefits help with funeral costs, they don’t fully cover them.
How to Celebrate Memorial Day
There are several ways to celebrate Memorial Day, including official and unofficial traditions. Here are some ways you can honor fallen soldiers on this special day.
- Visit a Military Cemetery: Southern California is home to several VA national cemeteries, including Los Angeles, Riverside, and Miramar. You may know a fallen vet, or not. Either way, it’s a nice idea to visit a military cemetery and place flowers on their grave.
- Support Military Organizations: Several military organizations are seeking volunteers. You can volunteer on Memorial Day or reach out to schedule a time to donate your services.
- Share Stories and Memories: Are you considering having a Memorial Day celebration? If so, make it meaningful by sharing photos and stories of loved ones who have served in the armed forces.
- Post on Social Media: Even something as small as creating a post on social media can raise awareness and let veterans and military servicepeople know you are grateful for their service.
- Partake in Traditions: Have a traditional Memorial Day by flying your flag at half-mast and honoring veterans with a moment of remembrance.
The VA will not cover the cost of cremation. However, cremated remains may be buried or placed in VA ceremonies. The organization may also cover related services such as headstones, military honors, and perpetual care. Surviving spouses and dependents may qualify for financial and service-related benefits.
About Opal Cremation
Opal Cremation is more than a direct cremation service. We honor veterans by offering military funeral arrangements free of charge, including ceremonies and burials. Our team also provides valuable resources on applying for benefits on our website.
We know that the loss of a loved one is a difficult and emotional time, and we aim to help those individuals as they navigate through this confusing period. We offer direct cremation services in Los Angeles and Orange County as part of an all-inclusive package and can customize services to suit each family and individual. As a convenience for families, the entire cremation process can be organized over the phone so that you can do what matters most: spend time with family and friends.
Opal Cremation has a dedicated care team available to help every step of the way, offering communication and support 24 hours a day. Los Angeles and Orange County families can contact Opal Cremation today to relieve the burden and stress of cremation arrangements. For more information, visit our support center, which includes FAQs on cremation and other relevant resources.
Looking for cremation services near you? Visit our location pages: Los Angeles cremation • San Diego cremation • Orange County cremation
FAQs
Is it appropriate to say “Happy Memorial Day”?
Some people may take offense to the term “Happy Memorial Day” as the holiday is meant to honor loss. It may be better to say, “Have a meaningful Memorial Day,” or “Thinking of our fallen heroes today.”
Why are flags flown at half-staff only until noon on Memorial Day?
Flags are flown at half-staff to honor the fallen. After noon, they are raised to full mast to pay homage to those who continue fighting for our country.
Why was it originally called Decoration Day?
Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day because families and communities would decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers, wreaths, and flags. Over time, the name Memorial Day became more popular and stuck.
Why do some people wear red poppies on Memorial Day?
Red poppies are inspired by the WWI poem, “In Flanders Field“. While more commonly associated with Remembrance Day in other countries, some Americans wear poppies to honor Memorial Day.
Who does Memorial Day honor only those killed in combat?
Memorial Day primarily honors soldiers killed in combat and those who died from service-related causes. However, it is a day to celebrate all service members and their families.
