No consensus exists on when and where Memorial Day in America began, but the custom of decorating the graves of America’s Civil War dead became so widespread by 1868 that May 30 became known as Decoration Day. In 1967, it became officially known as Memorial Day. In 1968, Congress moved the day from May 30 to the last Monday of May.
The purpose of Memorial Day is to honor those who have died in military service, whereas Veterans Day, November 11, honors all military personnel.
Displaying the American Flag. Memorial Day is one of five holidays on which Americans often fly the flag at home, the other four being Presidents’ Day, Independence Day, Flag Day and Veterans Day.
