Overview

• Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, honors U.S. military personnel who have died in service, with its origins dating back to the Civil War-era Decoration Day.
• Flags are to be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon on Memorial Day, then raised to full-staff until sunset, as outlined by U.S. flag code and reinforced by recent gubernatorial orders in Illinois and Indiana.
• Waterloo, New York, recognized by Congress and President Lyndon Johnson as the birthplace of Memorial Day, continues to symbolize the holiday's historical roots.
• The holiday has evolved to include all American war fatalities, with parades, wreath-laying ceremonies, and the National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. serving as key observances.
• While Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, concerns persist about the holiday losing its original significance amidst modern-day celebrations.