Visiting Cemeteries on Memorial Day

If you are looking for an activity to do for the long weekend, I recommend visiting cemeteries on Memorial Day.

I think it goes without saying what the general concept of the holiday is, but it often gets overshadowed by time off from work, barbeques, kicking off the summer season, and shopping sales.

But have you ever wondered about the actual history of this mourning holiday?

Read on to learn more!

Per Britannica.com, “Memorial Day originally called Decoration Day, began during the American Civil War when its citizens placed flowers on the graves of those who had been killed in battle. After World War I, it came to be observed in honor of those who had died in all U.S. Wars and it’s name changed to Memorial Day.”

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What is the difference between Veteran’s Day & Memorial Day?

That is a frequently asked question with a simple explanation.

Veteran’s Day commemorates the services of all United States veterans. Whereas Memorial Day honors those who have died while serving in the Military.

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Why do people visit cemeteries on Memorial Day?

Memorial Day’s history ties back to flowers being put at grave sites of fallen soldiers from United States wars.

So families visit cemeteries to pay their respects at the final resting places of servicemen and women.

Some communities have a special ceremony at designated veterans cemeteries or an event to honor people from their local area.

My hometown usually has an event that the High School JROTC program helps coordinate, followed by a parade with military men and women, fire departments, police departments, emergency services, and local non-for-profit organizations, and some small businesses.

To read about how cemeteries provide valuable genealogy information quick out this blog post:

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What do you put on a grave for Memorial Day?

The most common items to place at a veteran’s gravesite are American flags, wreaths, and flowers.

Visitors may also place mementos that connect them with their loved one and pieces that show their personality.

Something I see a lot in cemeteries is small rocks placed on the tops of headstones or at their base.

People might leave letters as well.

Sometimes during Memorial Day, or around that time frame, local organizations will place small flags at each burial locations or along road ways, or special areas in the community.

Side Note

One thing to please note if you plan on leaving mementos when visiting cemeteries on Memorial Day, is to check the rules of that location first.

This information is usually posted at the entrance or along the driving/walking paths.

You want to make sure not to leave anything that could potentially be hazardous, such as items that impact the grounds keepers.

If you are unsure of the rules, reach out to the church or local organization that oversees the property.

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Why do people put flowers on non-veterans graves on Memorial Day?

As Memorial Day is about honoring those who have passed, some families may also take this opportunity to remember ancestors and relatives.

It can be a time for everyone in the United States to grieve together.

If you go to a cemetery and happen to notice families visiting non-veteran headstones, it also simply may be that their loved one was born or died on, or near, the same date.

Overall, Memorial Day is an important reminder to honor the lives and ancestors before us.

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