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Memorial Day is a day of reflection and remembrance of those who died while serving in the U.S. military. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials and placing wreaths. They may also participate in a Memorial Day parade or hold a family gathering, such as a barbeque. Memorial Day also unofficially marks the beginning of summer.
This guide is designed to assist congressional offices with work related to celebrating Memorial Day.
Memorial Day has its roots in Decoration Day, a day when Union Civil War veterans honored those who had died in conflict. Memorial Day has been observed on the last Monday in May since 1968, when Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act.
Uniform Monday Holiday Act (5 U.S.C. §6103)
National Moment of Remembrance Act (P.L. 106-579)
The Congressional Research Service has a report detailing the history of federal holidays and several reports addressing military casualties, including
CRS Report R41990, Federal Holidays: Evolution and Current Practices, by [author name scrubbed]Jacob R. Straus.
CRS Report RS22452, A Guide to U.S. Military Casualty Statistics: Operation Freedom's Sentinel, Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation New Dawn, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom, by [author name scrubbed]Hannah Fischer.
CRS Report RL32492, American War and Military Operations Casualties: Lists and Statistics, by [author name scrubbed]Nese F. DeBruyne.
Members of Congress often make floor statements, issue press releases, or enter Extensions of Remarks into the Congressional Record to recognize federal holidays and observances. The following are some recent examples from the Congressional Record:
Senator Johnny Isakson, "Memorial Day," remarks in the SenateRepresentative Joyce Beatty, "In Honor of Memorial Day," Extensions of Remarks, Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 162163 (May 26, 2016), pp. S3280-S3281.
Senator Benjamin L. Cardin25, 2017), pp. E725-E726.
Representative Andy Biggs et al., "Memorial Day," remarks in the SenateHouse, Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 162163 (May 26, 2016), p. S3281.
Representative Doug LaMalfa24, 2017), pp. H4561-4563.
Senator Johnny Isakson, "Memorial Day," remarks in the House of RepresentativesSenate, Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 162 (May 26, 2016), p. H3287pp. S3280-S3281.
Senator Debbie StabenowBenjamin L. Cardin, "Memorial Day," remarks in the Senate;, Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 161162 (May 12, 2015), pp. S2792-S279326, 2016), p. S3281.
One of the many uses of a presidential proclamation is to ceremoniously honor a group or call attention to certain issues or events. Some recent Memorial Day proclamations, from the Compilation of Presidential Documents, include
Proclamation 9454—9617—Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2016
Proclamation 9287—9454—Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2015
Proclamation 91339287—Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2014
Proclamation 89879133—Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day, 2013
Memorial Day is a time to reflect on what veterans have done for the United States. The U.S. Census Bureau tracks statistics about veterans and provides interesting information and statistics that may be useful to include in speeches.
U.S. Census Bureau, Veterans Visualizations.
Part of the Memorial Day observance is the National Moment of Remembrance. All Americans are encouraged to pause wherever they are at 3:00 p.m. local time for a moment of silence to remember and honor those who died in service to the nation.
In many communities, citizens assist veterans with the placement of flags on grave stones in cemeteries and distribute flags to people participating in parades. The American flag may also be flown or hung outdoors at an individual's home.
On Memorial Day, as on Veterans Day, orange artificial poppies are purchased and the donations are used to help veterans and their widows, widowers, and children.
For additional information on Memorial Day, flag protocol, history, and related events, see the U.S.U.S. Memorial Day websitewebsite maintained by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.
Arlington National Cemetery, "Wreath Layings."
Arlington National Cemetery, "Request a Public Wreath Ceremony."
Library of Congress American Folklife Center, "Veterans History Project."
U.S. Army Center of Military History, "Memorial Day."
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, "Memorial Day History."
YouTube videos of wreath laying ceremonies.