1. A DAY TO HONOR THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO HAVE SERVED OUR COUNTRY Memorial Day

2. Memorial Day Facts What is a memorial?  A memorial is something that honors and remembers a person or thing. Who are we honoring and remembering?  Soldiers who have died while serving in the military.

3. Memorial Day History Americans celebrate Memorial Day on the last Monday of May. The first Memorial Day occurred in 1868, after the American Civil War. It used to be called “Decoration Day”. It was made an official federal holiday in 1971. Memorial Day also marks the beginning of summer.

4. What Do People Do on Memorial Day? People decorate the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags. People say thank you to soldiers and veterans.  Veterans are people who used to serve in the military. People have parades and bands play patriotic music.  Patriotic (adj): loving the country Schools, banks, and government offices are closed.

5. Other Activities on Memorial Day Flags fly at half-mast.  This is a sign of respect. The president gives a speech and puts a wreath in front of the Tomb of the Unknowns.

6. The Tomb of the Unknowns The Tomb of the Unknown is a memorial in Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC.  Tomb (n): grave  Unknown (adj, n): not known It honors all unknown soldiers who have died.

7. The Tomb Guards A guard is always walking back and forth in front of the tomb. In the summer, the guards change every 30 minutes. In the winter, they change every hour. “The changing of the guard” is a special ceremony. The commanding officer carefully checks the new guard to make sure he is neat and professional.