5 Things to Know About Memorial Day

On this upcoming three-day weekend, we will celebrate Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer, but most importantly a day to remember those who have given their lives in service to our country. So in honor of that, we present five things to know about the national holiday.

Information from US Memorial Day.

• 1868—The holiday was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan, and was first observed on May 30, 1868 with flowers placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington D.C.
• Northern States—The holiday was first recognized by New York, and by 1890, it was observed by all northern states, while the southern ones refused to acknowledge it until after World War I, when they stopped celebrating on a different day.
• Some Parades—Unfortunately, the holiday is no longer celebrated as it should be, with many states stopping their parades, and some believing it is a day to honor all those who have died, not just those in the armed forces.
• Arlington National Cemetery—The 1,200 soldiers of the 3d U.S. Infantry go every year to place American Flags on all the graves at the cemetery every year. In 2004, Washington D.C. held its first Memorial Day parade in 60 years.
• National Moment of Remembrance—This resolution was passed in December 2000, and, at 3 p.m. on the last Monday of May, all Americans are asked to observe a moment of silence or listen to a playing of "Taps."