Memorial Day

This Monday, May 31, marks Memorial Day, which is always celebrated on the last Monday of May.  Memorial Day is a time to remember those men and women who died in service.  The holiday originally began by memorializing the Union and Confederate soldiers after the American Civil War ended.  The soldiers’ friends and families celebrated their memory by placing flowers at their gravesites at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. 

To this day many Americans still observe the holiday by visiting war memorials and cemeteries.  They also honor soldiers by flying the flag at half-staff and by participating in the national moment of remembrance.  For our travelers currently visiting Washington, D.C., and Arlington National Cemetery, they will be able to witness the annual Memorial Day ceremony, which includes a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a program in the memorial amphitheater.