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 Jacob R. Straus.
CRS Report RL32492, American War and Military Operations Casualties: Lists and Statistics, by Nese F. DeBruyne.
CRS In Focus IF10899, Recent Trends in Active-Duty Military Deaths, by Christopher T. Mann and Hannah Fischer.
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 Hannah Fischer.
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 Benjamin L. Cardin, "Memorial Day," remarks in the Senate, Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 165 (May 23, 2019), pp. S3097-S3098.
Senator John Cornyn, "Memorial Day," remarks in the Senate, Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 165 (May 23, 2019), pp. S3077-S3078.
Representative Joyce Beatty, "In Honor of Memorial Day," Extensions of Remarks, Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 163 (May 25, 2017), pp. E725-E726.
Representative Andy Biggs et al., "Memorial Day," remarks in the House, Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 163 (May 24, 2017), pp. H4561-H4563.
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
Presidential Proclamations—Donald J. Trump (2017- )
Presidential Proclamations—Barack H. Obama (2009-2016)
Presidential Proclamations—George W. Bush (2001-2008)
Presidential Proclamations—William J. Clinton (1993-2000)
Presidential proclamations and remarks from 1993 to the present are available through the govinfo service on the Government Publishing Office website. Earlier remarks are available through The American Presidency Project, established by the University of California, Santa Barbara.
The Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) provides statistics on active duty military deaths as well as detailed historical tables through the Defense Casualty Analysis System (DCAS).
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 information and visualizations that may be useful to include in speeches.
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, 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, and veterans cemeteries, see the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Memorial Day webpage.
Arlington National Cemetery, "Wreath Layings."
Arlington National Cemetery, "Request a Public Wreath Ceremony."
Library of Congress, "Today in History – May 30."
Library of Congress American Folklife Center, "Veterans History Project."
U.S. Army Center of Military History, "Memorial Day."
YouTube videos of wreath laying ceremonies.