5 Facts About Memorial Day
1. Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day. Yep, it's Memorial Day in America, and that means a three day holiday weekend. But, as well as a nice long break from work, picnics, parades, family barbeques, it's also a day of remembrance for those who have fallen in battle defending the country against those who meant it harm. The tradition of commemorating those who died in service can be traced back hundreds, if not thousands of years. The Greek and Romans had their own celebrations, as did the Egyptians. But it wasn't until the US Civil War that the practice became widespread in American. After the Civil War, General John A. Logan called for a holiday to commemorate fallen soldiers, and suggested May 30th. It wasn't until 1971 that Memorial Day was moved to the last Monday in May each year and became a proper holiday. 2. You're actually legally obligated to observer a minute silence at 3pm . (Imagine my best Michael Caine impression for the ...