Memorial Day is a big U.S. holiday. Students stay home. Many workers take the day off. But what’s it about?

The word memorial means “to remember.” That means “Memorial Day” is a day to remember. Memorial Day honors men and women who died. They died serving the United States.

Memorial Day started in 1868. It was called Decoration Day. People would decorate graves. They would put down flowers. They would put down flags too.

Many people still decorate graves. Others wear red poppies poppies : type of plant, often with red flowers . People also lower the American flag. That’s a sign of respect.

President Ronald Reagan gave a speech in 1982. He spoke on Memorial Day. He talked about soldiers. “We must try to honor them,” he said.

Bill Clinton also served as U.S. president. He spoke in 1998. He said, “We remember how much was given.”

By Russell Kahn (Russ)
Updated May 23, 2025, 5:00 P.M. (ET)