Memorial Day Fun Facts

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Over 100 fun facts about Memorial Day for your enjoyment!

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States that is observed on the last Monday in May. The holiday is a day of remembrance for those who have died while serving in the country’s armed forces.

The origins of Memorial Day date back to the aftermath of the American Civil War, when communities across the country began holding annual ceremonies to honor the thousands of soldiers who had died in the conflict. The holiday was originally known as Decoration Day, and it was first officially recognized by the federal government in 1868.

Over time, Memorial Day came to encompass not only the Civil War, but all American military conflicts in which soldiers had given their lives. Today, the holiday is observed with parades, speeches, and other public ceremonies, and it is also a time when families and friends visit cemeteries and place flowers or other decorations on the graves of loved ones who have died in service to their country.

In addition to its historical and patriotic significance, Memorial Day is also viewed by many Americans as the unofficial beginning of the summer season, and it is often celebrated with barbecues, picnics, and other outdoor activities.

To help you celebrate, we’ve created this list of 101 fun facts about Memorial Day!

Memorial Day Fun Facts


Table of Contents

Fun Facts About Memorial Day – About Memorial Day

The history of Memorial Day can be traced back to the aftermath of the American Civil War. By the end of the conflict in 1865, an estimated 620,000 soldiers had lost their lives, making it the deadliest war in American history. In the years that followed, communities across the country began to hold annual ceremonies to honor the fallen soldiers.

The first large-scale observance of what would come to be known as Memorial Day took place on May 30, 1868. General John A. Logan, the leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance on that date. The day was marked by decorating the graves of soldiers who had died in the war, as well as with speeches and other public ceremonies.

Over time, the observance of Memorial Day became more widespread and began to encompass all American military conflicts in which soldiers had given their lives. In 1971, Congress officially recognized Memorial Day as a federal holiday and established the observance on the last Monday in May.

Today, Memorial Day is observed with parades, speeches, and other public ceremonies, and it is also a time when families and friends visit cemeteries and place flowers or other decorations on the graves of loved ones who have died in service to their country. The holiday serves as a way to remember and honor the sacrifices made by American soldiers throughout the country’s history.

Fun Facts About Memorial Day – 117 Fun Facts

Here are 117 fun facts about Memorial Day:

  1. Memorial Day was first observed on May 30, 1868.
  2. It was originally called Decoration Day, and was a day to decorate the graves of soldiers who had died in the Civil War.
  3. The first national observance of Memorial Day was in 1971, when it became a federal holiday.
  4. Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May.
  5. The National Moment of Remembrance is observed at 3:00 PM local time on Memorial Day.
  6. The red poppy is a symbol of Memorial Day, inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields”.
  7. The Indianapolis 500 car race is held on Memorial Day weekend.
  8. In some states, it is illegal to sell alcohol on Memorial Day.
  9. Memorial Day is the second most popular day for grilling, after the 4th of July.
  10. In 2000, Congress established a National Moment of Remembrance to be observed on Memorial Day.
  11. Memorial Day was originally only observed in the northern states, but after World War I, it became a national holiday.
  12. The American flag is flown at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day, and then raised to full staff for the remainder of the day.
  13. The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, also known as The Old Guard, is responsible for placing flags at Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day.
  14. The unofficial start of summer is often marked by Memorial Day, and many people take their first beach or camping trips of the season.
  15. The Civil War was the deadliest war in American history, with an estimated 620,000 soldiers dying in the conflict.
  16. The Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D.C. lists the names of over 58,000 soldiers who died in the war.
  17. The World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. honors the 16 million Americans who served in the war, including over 400,000 who died.
  18. The Korean War Memorial in Washington D.C. honors the 1.5 million Americans who served in the war, including over 36,000 who died.
  19. Memorial Day is often confused with Veterans Day, which is a day to honor all veterans who have served in the military.
  20. Many communities hold parades on Memorial Day to honor fallen soldiers.
  21. The holiday is also marked by speeches and ceremonies at cemeteries and war memorials.
  22. In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared Waterloo, New York as the birthplace of Memorial Day.
  23. The poppy has been a symbol of Memorial Day since the 1920s, when it was popularized by the American Legion.
  24. The National Memorial Day Concert has been held on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol since 1989.
  25. In 2003, Congress passed the National Moment of Remembrance Act, which encourages all Americans to pause for a moment of silence at 3:00 PM on Memorial Day to remember the fallen.
  26. Many people visit cemeteries on Memorial Day to decorate the graves of loved ones who have passed away, as well as the graves of soldiers.
  27. Memorial Day was originally held on May 30 because it was believed to be the date when flowers would be in bloom throughout the country.
  28. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery represents all American soldiers who have died in wars where their remains were not identified.
  29. In 2012, President Obama signed a proclamation designating the week leading up to Memorial Day as National Military Appreciation Month.
  30. In 2016, President Obama visited Hiroshima, Japan on Memorial Day, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to do so.
  31. In 2019, the remains of two U.S. soldiers who had been missing since the Korean War were identified and returned to their families on Memorial Day.
  32. The playing of Taps, a bugle call used to signify the end of the day and to honor fallen soldiers, is a traditional part of Memorial Day ceremonies.
  33. The Arlington Ladies are a group of women who attend every funeral at Arlington National Cemetery to ensure that no soldier is ever buried alone.
  34. The Civil War had a significant impact on the development of the holiday, as it resulted in the deaths of more soldiers than any other conflict in American history.
  35. In some southern states, Memorial Day is also known as Confederate Memorial Day and is a day to honor those who died fighting for the Confederacy during the Civil War.
  36. In 1915, Canadian physician John McCrae wrote the poem “In Flanders Fields”, which inspired the use of the red poppy as a symbol of Memorial Day.
  37. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs operates over 130 national cemeteries where veterans and their family members can be buried.
  38. In 2015, the National World War II Museum in New Orleans opened a new exhibit called “Road to Tokyo”, which tells the story of the war in the Pacific.
  39. The annual Rolling Thunder motorcycle ride in Washington D.C. on Memorial Day is a tribute to prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action.
  40. The American Gold Star Mothers is an organization made up of women who have lost a son or daughter in the military.
  41. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan gave a speech in which he referred to the soldiers buried at Arlington National Cemetery as “the guardians of freedom”, a phrase that has become closely associated with Memorial Day.
  42. The Vietnam Women’s Memorial in Washington D.C. honors the over 11,000 women who served in the war, many of whom were nurses.
  43. In 2018, President Trump visited Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day and placed a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
  44. The National Memorial Day Parade in Washington D.C. features marching bands, military units, and floats, and attracts thousands of spectators.
  45. In 2015, the National World War I Museum in Kansas City, Missouri opened a new exhibit called “In the Trenches”, which features interactive displays and artifacts from the war.
  46. Many businesses and government offices are closed on Memorial Day, including the post office, banks, and schools.
  47. The American Veterans Center in Washington D.C. hosts an annual conference on Memorial Day weekend, which features speeches, panel discussions, and other events.
  48. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Memorial Day ceremonies and parades were canceled or held virtually.
  49. The National Memorial Day Museum in Waterloo, New York is dedicated to the history of Memorial Day and features exhibits and artifacts related to the holiday.
  50. In 2011, President Obama visited Joplin, Missouri on Memorial Day, just days after a devastating tornado had ripped through the town.
  51. In 1998, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund established the “Faces Never Forgotten” program, which aims to collect photos of every soldier who died in the Vietnam War.
  52. The U.S. Army Military District of Washington conducts a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier every hour of every day of the year.
  53. In 2016, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice opened in Montgomery, Alabama, honoring the thousands of African Americans who were lynched in the United States.
  54. The Buddy Poppy is a small, red artificial flower that is sold by the Veterans of Foreign Wars as a fundraiser for disabled and needy veterans.
  55. The National Memorial Day Concert, held on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, features musical performances, dramatic readings, and appearances by celebrities and politicians.
  56. The American Legion, a veterans organization, was founded in 1919, just after the end of World War I.
  57. In 1971, Congress passed the National Holiday Act, which moved Memorial Day from May 30 to the last Monday in May.
  58. Many people mark the beginning of summer on Memorial Day weekend by going to the beach, having a barbecue, or attending a parade.
  59. The American Battlefield Trust is a nonprofit organization that works to preserve and protect historic battlefields across the country.
  60. In 2013, the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. hosted a wreath-laying ceremony to mark the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
  61. The Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. features 19 stainless steel statues of soldiers, representing all branches of the military.
  62. In 2017, the Museum of the American Revolution opened in Philadelphia, featuring exhibits and artifacts related to the Revolutionary War.
  63. The Civil War Trust is a nonprofit organization that works to preserve and protect historic Civil War battlefields.
  64. In 2016, the National Museum of African American History and Culture opened in Washington D.C., featuring exhibits and artifacts related to African American history.
  65. In 2012, the Women In Military Service For America Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery added a new exhibit about the role of women in the military.
  66. The USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii honors the 1,177 sailors and Marines who died when the ship was attacked by the Japanese in 1941.
  67. The American Battle Monuments Commission operates and maintains 26 overseas cemeteries where American soldiers are buried.
  68. In 2018, the National Memorial Day Concert featured a tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Tet Offensive in Vietnam.
  69. The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is made up of recipients of the highest military honor awarded by the United States.
  70. In 2021, the National World War II Museum in New Orleans opened a new exhibit called “Sons and Daughters”, featuring personal stories and artifacts from the war.
  71. The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial in Washington D.C. honors the millions of veterans who have been disabled as a result of their military service.
  72. The U.S. Department of Defense operates the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, which works to recover and identify the remains of soldiers who were missing in action.
  73. In 2019, the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia opened a new exhibit called “The Volunteers”, featuring stories and artifacts from the Marine Corps’ history.
  74. The U.S. Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Virginia features three spires representing the three core values of the Air Force: integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.
  75. The National Cemetery Administration operates 155 national cemeteries across the United States, as well as 34 soldiers’ lots and monument sites.
  76. In 2015, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum opened in New York City, honoring the nearly 3,000 people who died in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
  77. The Purple Heart is a military decoration awarded to soldiers who are wounded or killed in combat.
  78. In 2018, the National Memorial Day Concert featured a tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Khe Sanh in Vietnam.
  79. The U.S. Coast Guard is the only branch of the military that falls under the Department of Homeland Security, rather than the Department of Defense.
  80. The Disabled American Veterans organization provides support and advocacy for disabled veterans and their families.
  81. In 2016, the National Museum of Industrial History opened in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, featuring exhibits and artifacts related to the Industrial Revolution and America’s industrial heritage.
  82. The American Veterans Center is a nonprofit organization that works to preserve and promote the stories and experiences of American veterans.
  83. The Arlington Ladies are a group of women who attend every military funeral at Arlington National Cemetery to ensure that no soldier is buried alone.
  84. In 2017, the National Museum of the United States Army broke ground on a new museum in Virginia, which will feature exhibits and artifacts related to the history of the Army.
  85. The Vietnam Women’s Memorial in Washington D.C. honors the women who served in Vietnam, including the nurses who cared for wounded soldiers.
  86. The U.S. Merchant Marine is a civilian fleet that provides transportation and logistical support to the military during times of war.
  87. In 2019, the National Medal of Honor Museum broke ground on a new museum in South Carolina, which will feature exhibits and artifacts related to Medal of Honor recipients.
  88. The Marine Corps War Memorial in Arlington, Virginia features a bronze statue of Marines raising the American flag on Iwo Jima during World War II.
  89. The American Gold Star Mothers is a group of mothers who have lost a son or daughter in military service.
  90. In 2019, the National World War I Memorial in Washington D.C. was completed, featuring a 58-foot tall bronze sculpture called “A Soldier’s Journey”.
  91. The U.S. Navy Memorial in Washington D.C. features a granite map of the world, as well as bronze sculptures and plaques honoring the service of the Navy.
  92. The American Veterans Center also hosts the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington D.C., featuring floats, bands, and military units from across the country.
  93. The National Intrepid Center of Excellence is a facility in Bethesda, Maryland that provides care and support for service members and veterans with traumatic brain injuries.
  94. In 2014, the National Museum of African American History and Culture began collecting artifacts and stories related to African Americans in the military.
  95. The United Service Organizations, or USO, is a nonprofit organization that provides entertainment and support to service members and their families.
  96. The USS Midway Museum in San Diego, California features exhibits and artifacts related to the aircraft carrier USS Midway, which served from 1945 to 1992.
  97. The National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia honors the soldiers who took part in the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944.
  98. The American Veterans Traveling Tribute is a traveling exhibit that includes a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, as well as memorials for other conflicts and wars.
  99. In 2014, the National Veterans Memorial and Museum opened in Columbus, Ohio, featuring exhibits and artifacts related to the experiences of veterans from all branches of the military.
  100. The Rolling Thunder motorcycle ride, which began in 1988, is a Memorial Day tradition that honors prisoners of war and missing in action service members.
  101. The National Cemetery Administration also manages the National Register of Veterans’ Graves, which includes information on the location of more than 3.7 million graves of veterans and their dependents.
  102. The Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. features a wall of faces, as well as bronze sculptures of soldiers and equipment from the war.
  103. In 2015, the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial opened in Washington D.C., honoring the sacrifices and experiences of disabled veterans.
  104. The National Memorial Day Concert, which is broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, is a tradition that dates back to 1989.
  105. The Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon is a precision drill team that performs at military ceremonies and events across the country.
  106. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery is a monument that honors the unidentified remains of soldiers who died in war.
  107. In 2003, President George W. Bush signed a law designating the Friday before Memorial Day as National Poppy Day, in honor of the red poppy that has become a symbol of remembrance for veterans.
  108. The National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. features 56 pillars and a fountain, and is dedicated to the 16 million Americans who served in the war.
  109. Every year, a Memorial Day ceremony is held at the American Cemetery in Normandy, France, which contains the graves of more than 9,000 American soldiers who died during the D-Day invasion.
  110. In 1915, Canadian doctor and Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae wrote the poem “In Flanders Fields,” which has become a symbol of remembrance for soldiers who have died in war.
  111. In 2000, Congress passed the National Moment of Remembrance Act, which encourages Americans to pause for a moment of silence at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day.
  112. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency works to recover and identify the remains of service members who were prisoners of war or missing in action.
  113. Since 1971, the Memorial Day weekend has been observed as the unofficial start of summer, with many people traveling and taking part in outdoor activities.
  114. Each year, the United States Army Old Guard places small American flags at every headstone in Arlington National Cemetery, a tradition known as “Flags In.”
  115. In 2017, the World War I Centennial Commission began work on a new national World War I Memorial in Washington D.C., which is expected to be completed in 2021.
  116. The Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest military honor that can be awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
  117. On Memorial Day, the American flag is traditionally flown at half-staff until noon, after which it is raised to the top of the staff.

Fun Facts About Memorial Day – 10 Fun Facts for Kids

Here are 10 fun facts about Memorial Day that kids might enjoy:

  1. Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day, because people would decorate the graves of soldiers who had died in the Civil War.
  2. The first Decoration Day was held on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
  3. Memorial Day became a federal holiday in 1971.
  4. Many people visit cemeteries on Memorial Day to decorate the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.
  5. The red poppy has become a symbol of Memorial Day because of the poem “In Flanders Fields,” which talks about the red poppies that grew on the graves of soldiers.
  6. The American flag is often flown at half-staff on Memorial Day to honor those who died while serving in the military.
  7. The National Moment of Remembrance asks Americans to pause for a moment of silence at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day to remember those who have died in service to their country.
  8. Memorial Day marks the beginning of the summer season in the United States.
  9. Many communities hold parades on Memorial Day to honor veterans and active duty service members.
  10. The graves of soldiers who died in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and other conflicts can be found in cemeteries across the country, making Memorial Day a time to remember the sacrifices of generations of service members.

Fun Facts About Memorial Day – Memorial Day Legends

There are a few legends and stories associated with Memorial Day:

The story of the “Women’s Memorial March”: In the spring of 1865, a group of women in Columbus, Mississippi, visited a cemetery to decorate the graves of Confederate soldiers. As they worked, they noticed that the graves of Union soldiers were bare and unadorned. Moved by a sense of compassion and respect for their fellow Americans, the women gathered flowers and placed them on the graves of the Union soldiers as well.

The story of the “Poppy Lady”: Moina Belle Michael was a teacher and volunteer with the YMCA during World War I. She was inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields” to make and sell red poppies to raise money for veterans in need. Her efforts helped establish the poppy as a symbol of remembrance for those who had died in service to their country.

The story of the “Unknown Soldier”: The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a monument in Arlington National Cemetery that honors the memory of unidentified soldiers who died in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. The selection and interment of the first Unknown Soldier in 1921 was a solemn and emotional event that captured the attention of the nation.

These stories and legends help to underscore the importance of Memorial Day as a time to remember the sacrifices of those who have given their lives in service to their country, and to honor the contributions of veterans and active duty service members alike.

Fun Facts About Memorial Day – Memorial Day Traditions

There are many traditions associated with Memorial Day. Here are some of the most common ones:

Visiting cemeteries: Many people visit cemeteries on Memorial Day to decorate the graves of their loved ones with flowers and flags. Some also visit the graves of fallen soldiers to pay their respects.

Parades: Memorial Day parades are a common tradition in many communities, and often feature marching bands, floats, and displays of military vehicles and equipment.

Flag-raising ceremonies: Many people raise the American flag on Memorial Day as a symbol of patriotism and respect for the sacrifices of those who have served in the military.

Moment of Remembrance: The National Moment of Remembrance asks Americans to pause for a moment of silence at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day to remember those who have died in service to their country.

Memorial Day cookouts and picnics: Many families and friends gather together for cookouts and picnics on Memorial Day, often featuring traditional American foods like hamburgers, hot dogs, and barbecue.

Wearing red poppies: The red poppy has become a symbol of Memorial Day, and many people wear poppies to honor the sacrifices of those who have served in the military.

These traditions help to honor the memory of those who have given their lives in service to their country, and to show appreciation for the contributions of veterans and active duty service members.

Fun Facts About Memorial Day – Memorial Day Around the World

While Memorial Day is a national holiday in the United States, other countries have their own days of remembrance for fallen soldiers.

For example, in Canada, “Remembrance Day” is observed on November 11th to commemorate the sacrifices of Canadian soldiers in all wars. In the United Kingdom, “Remembrance Sunday” is observed on the second Sunday in November, and is marked with ceremonies at war memorials across the country.

Other countries also have similar days of remembrance, such as Anzac Day in Australia and New Zealand, which commemorates the landing of Australian and New Zealand troops at Gallipoli during World War I, as well as the sacrifices of all Australians and New Zealanders who have served in wars and conflicts.

While the specific dates and customs may vary, the underlying sentiment of honoring those who have died in service to their country is a universal human experience.

Fun Facts About Memorial Day – Memorial Day Riddles

Here are a few patriotic-themed riddles that could be appropriate for the holiday:

What do you get when you cross the Fourth of July with Halloween?

Answer: Fire-works!

What’s red, white, blue and green all over?

Answer: A patriotic garden!

I am always on the flag, but I am never saluted. What am I?

Answer: The blue sky or the stars on the American flag.

What do you call an American bee?

Answer: A USB!

Fun Facts About Memorial Day – Memorial Day Symbols

There are several symbols associated with Memorial Day in the United States. Here are some of the most common:

American flag: The American flag is a powerful symbol of patriotism, and is often flown at half-staff on Memorial Day to honor the sacrifices of those who have died in military service.

Poppy: The red poppy has become a symbol of Memorial Day thanks to the poem “In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae, which describes the fields of poppies that grew over the graves of fallen soldiers in World War I. Today, many people wear poppies on Memorial Day as a way to honor those who have died in military service.

Military graves: Visiting military graves and placing flowers, wreaths, or flags on them is a traditional way to honor those who have served in the armed forces.

Bald eagle: The bald eagle is a symbol of freedom and strength in the United States, and is often used in patriotic displays on Memorial Day.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located in Arlington National Cemetery, is a powerful symbol of the sacrifices made by those who have died in service to their country. A guard is posted at the tomb 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and visitors can witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

These symbols help to remind us of the sacrifices made by those who have served in the military, and to honor their memory on Memorial Day.

Fun Facts About Memorial Day – Determining the Date for Memorial Day

In the United States, Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May. The holiday was originally known as Decoration Day and was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

The decision to hold the holiday on the last Monday in May was made in 1968, as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established a series of three-day weekends for federal employees. The act also established Columbus Day, Veterans Day, and Washington’s Birthday (now known as Presidents Day) as federal holidays to be observed on Mondays.

While the date of Memorial Day is now set on a specific day of the week, the day itself still holds a great deal of significance for many Americans, and is observed as a day of remembrance for those who have died in military service.

Fun Facts About Memorial Day – Celebrations Across the States

While Memorial Day is observed throughout the United States, different states and communities may have their own unique traditions and ways of honoring those who have died in military service.

For example, in many places, there are parades, ceremonies, and other events held on Memorial Day to honor fallen service members. In some communities, these events are organized by veterans’ groups, while in others they may be organized by the local government or other organizations.

In some states, Memorial Day is also a time to remember and honor specific local veterans or military units. For example, in Hawaii, the “Decoration Day” tradition involves placing flower lei on the graves of veterans, while in Louisiana, Memorial Day is celebrated as “Confederate Memorial Day,” which honors those who died fighting for the Confederacy in the American Civil War.

Despite these differences, the overarching theme of Memorial Day is to honor and remember the sacrifices made by those who have died in military service, and to show appreciation for their service and dedication to their country.

Check out These Fun Facts for Other Holidays

President’s Day, Mardi Gras, Day Light Savings Day, St. Patrick’s Day, April Fools Day, Mother’s Day, Easter, Arbor Day, Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day, D-Day, Juneteenth, Father’s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Patriot Day, Columbus Day, Halloween, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, New Years Day, Groundhog Day


Memorial Day Fun Facts