What is Memorial Day and When and How is it Celebrated?

What is Memorial Day:
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day set aside for remembrance of those who have died in our nations service.
Memorial Day was first proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, in his General order number 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868; when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers. The South, at first, refused to acknowledge, Memorial Day, honoring their dead on separate days until after WWI. After World War I, it was expanded to include those who died in any war or military action. One of the longest standing traditions is the running of the Indianapolis 500, which has been held in conjunction with Memorial Day since 1911. It is also traditionally viewed as the beginning of summer by many, since many schools are dismissed around Memorial Day.

When is Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is a United States Federal Holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May (observed in 2008 on May 26). Since the Civil War more than 1.1 million veterans, both women and men, have lost their lives in service to America.

How is Memorial Day celebrated ?
Many people observe this holiday by visiting cemeteries and memorials. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 9 p.m. US Eastern time. Another tradition is to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff from dawn until noon local time. Volunteers place an American flag upon each gravesite located in a National Cemetery.
In addition to remembrance, Memorial Day is also a time for picnics, barbecues, family gatherings, and sporting events.