Memorial Day, celebrated on the last Monday in May, is a federal holiday observed this year on May 27.
For many people it means a three-day weekend, and like other national holidays, a majority of financial and government institutions are closed for the day.
Established more than 150 years ago, Memorial Day is intended to honor and commemorate U.S. military personnel lost in war and is often commemorated with parades and special services.
It’s also a time when friends and family decorate the graves of military personnel, which is why the holiday is also known as “Decoration Day” — a bit of Memorial Day trivia you may not know.
To commemorate the holiday, we’ve compiled a list of Memorial Day facts about the history, significance, and other relevant details related to the annual day of remembrance.
Amongst them? When Memorial Day was officially marked as a federal holiday, why the end of May was chosen to commemorate the fallen, as well as additional facts about the military and patriotic songs.
However you spend this Memorial Day, whether you’re cooking in the backyard or paying tribute to America’s military heroes, these trivia questions and answers will give you a better understanding of why we recognize this special day.
Memorial Day Trivia Questions and Answers
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What other name is Memorial Day known by? Answer: Decoration day
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Memorial Day was originally established to honor fallen soldiers from which war? Answer: The Civil War
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Which prized medal for valor was first created during the Civil War? Answer: The Medal of Honor
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Who is the only woman to ever receive the Medal of Honor? Answer: Dr. Mary Walker
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What is the official song of the US Army? Answer: “The army rolls on”
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What day is Memorial Day recognized each year? Answer: The last Monday of May
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On what date in May was Memorial Day originally celebrated? Answer: May 30
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Where is Arlington National Cemetery located? Answer: Arlington, Virginia
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Who composed the “Star-Spangled Banner”? Answer: Francis Scott Key
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In what year did celebrating Memorial Day on the last Monday in May become law? Answer: 1971
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What are the branches of the US military? Answer: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Coast Guard and National Guard
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What does the Latin term ‘Semper Fidelis’ mean? Answer: Always faithful
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How should the American flag be flown on Memorial Day? Answer: It should be set to half-staff from sunrise to noon and then at full-staff from noon to sunset
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The “America the Beautiful” is based on the poem “Pikes Peak”, written by who? Answer: Katharine Lee Bates
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At which important monument is a wreath laid during a national commemoration held annually on Memorial Day? Answer: The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
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Who is credited with sewing the first American flag? Answer: Elizabeth “Betsy” Ross
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How many stars are on an American flag? Answer: 50 (one for each US state)
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What is the official song of the US Navy? Answer: “Anchors Aweigh”
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Lori Robinson, the highest-ranking woman in U.S. military history, served as a general in which branch of the armed forces? Answer: Air Force
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In 2000, Congress passed a law requiring Americans to pause on Memorial Day to honor fallen servicemen and women. At what time should the commemoration take place? Answer: 3 p.m
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According to AAA, approximately how many Americans planned to travel for Memorial Day in 2023? Answer: 42.3 million
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What is the official song of the United States Air Force? Answer: “Wild Blue Yonder”
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What flower is worn in honor of Memorial Day? Answer: The poppy
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What do the letters of the USO stand for, which has been serving U.S. military personnel and their families since 1941? Answer: United service organizations
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What year was the first Memorial Day observed in honor of Confederate and Union soldiers lost in the Civil War? Answer: 1868
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What is the official song of the United States Marine Corps? Answer: “Navy Hymn”
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For which branch of the United States Armed Forces was “Be All You Can Be” the advertising slogan? Answer: Army
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How many stripes are on an American flag? Answer: Thirteen: one for each of the original colonies
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Where is the largest Memorial Day parade in the US held? Answer: Washington DC
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The Coast Guard theme song is ‘Semper Paratus’. What does it mean? Answer: Always ready
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It is believed that Major General John A. Logan designated May 30 as Memorial Day for what reason? Answer: Because flowers would bloom all over the country
This article was originally published on TODAY.com
