SHARE

What Are Your Memorial Day Plans, Ridgefield?

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. -- Americans throughout the United States are celebrating Memorial Day Monday, and to honor the holiday here are some facts to educate you on the history of this special day.

How will you be celebrating Memorial Day?

How will you be celebrating Memorial Day?

Photo Credit: http://boktowergardens.org/

  • Many people know this day as Memorial Day, but it's formally known as Decoration Day.
  • The city of Waterloo, N.Y. claimed to have celebrated the first Memorial Day May 5, 1866. The federal government assigned Waterloo as the official birthplace of the holiday in 1966.
  • Memorial Day was first celebrated only on May 30, but was changed to the last Monday in May by Congress in 1971.
  • The holiday is often confused with Veterans Day, which celebrates all U.S. military veterans. Memorial Day honors those who have died serving in the U.S. military.
  • At 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, the National Moment of Remembrance is honored, which was passed by Congress in 2000. Americans are encouraged to take a moment of silence, which honors those who have died in service.

to follow Daily Voice Ridgefield and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE