Memorial Day is a federal holiday designed to honor and remember the US military personnel who have passed while serving in the United States Army. It is a day of remembrance. 

Memorial Day was initially called Decoration Day. It began during the Civil War. Citizens would place flowers on the graves of those who had been killed in battle. After WWI, Memorial Day was observed to honor those who died in the war, and thus, the name was changed to Memorial Day.

It was not until 1968 that Memorial Day was recognized as an official holiday. It was declared a National Holiday in 1971.

Some Memorial Day traditions include the laying of a Wreath Laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery, religious services, parades, and speeches. Many family members of those who have passed visit the graves of the deceased. It is a nice way to remember someone close. Someone who sacrificed their life for the country.