Memorial Day: A Tradition of Remembrance, Honor, and Reflection in the United States
By Alejandra Legarda – Journalist | Special to Al Día News

Every last Monday in May, the United States pauses to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to the Armed Forces. Memorial Day is more than a federal holiday—it's a date filled with symbolism, history, and national awareness. In 2025, the commemoration will take place on Monday, May 26.

The origin of Memorial Day dates back to 1868, when General John A. Logan, leader of a Civil War veterans organization, declared May 30 as a day to place flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers. Initially known as Decoration Day, the holiday gradually spread across states. After World War I, its scope expanded to honor all military personnel who died in combat, not just those from the Civil War (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2025).

It wasn't until 1971 that Congress officially designated the last Monday of May as Memorial Day, under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. This change was also intended to encourage long weekends and domestic tourism—an initiative that remains controversial among those who believe the solemnity of the date has been overshadowed by commercialism.

Despite this, the essence of Memorial Day remains alive through hundreds of commemorative events nationwide. Ceremonies at national cemeteries like Arlington, parades, religious services, and the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m. are key parts of the protocol meant to honor the fallen (MemorialDayFoundation.org, 2025).

While many Americans associate the holiday with the unofficial start of summer, retail sales, and family gatherings, various veterans' organizations continue to stress the day’s commemorative purpose. “It’s not just a day off—it’s a day to reflect on the cost of our freedom,” states the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in its 2025 campaign.

In times of polarization and global challenges, Memorial Day remains an opportunity to unite the country around its core values: remembrance, respect, and gratitude.

Sources:
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (2025)
Memorial Day Foundation (2025)
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Memorial Day Campaign 2025