memorial day

Memorial Day is a U.S. federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May. It honors men and women who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces. Originating after the Civil War as “Decoration Day,” it began as a time for families to decorate soldiers’ graves with flowers. Today the day is marked by ceremonies at cemeteries and memorials, a national moment of remembrance, and often the unofficial start of summer, with parades, barbecues, and the tradition of flying the American flag at half‑staff until noon. Views Nigeria