Memorial Day: Honoring Fallen Soldiers and Embracing Traditions

From its origins as Decoration Day to today's travel surge, Memorial Day balances remembrance and celebration.

Memorial Day began as Decoration Day after the Civil War to honor fallen soldiers.
The holiday was founded by African Americans in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1865.
It became an official federal holiday in 1968, observed on the last Monday of May.
Memorial Day traditions include parades, barbecues, and a moment of silence at 3:00 p.m.
43.8 million people are expected to travel this Memorial Day Weekend, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.