Memorial Day, or Decoration Day as it was originally called, began as an occasion for decorating the graves of soldiers who had died fighting in the U.S. Civil War. Declared a national holiday in 1966, it is traditionally observed by decorating fallen soldiers' graves, honoring them with parades, speeches, and concerts, and gathering for picnics with friends and family.
This year, celebrate Memorial Day by looking at words such as commemoration, honor, and sacrifice. Collected in our "Memorial Day Words" vocabulary list, they help us understand and talk about the holiday's meaning,
Looking for more meaning in the day? Bone up on vocabulary from Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, and then recite the oration in fine Memorial Day tradition.
