Memorial Day can be considered as one of the Federal Holidays. People in every corner of United States celebrate Memorial Day. They also consider it as a good day to stay away from the hectic work schedules and go for a good cookout. However, the primary objective of having a Memorial Day, is to honor and recognize all the sacrifices that have been done by the military veterans, who are alive or dead.
Initially, the Memorial Day was celebrated to honor the Union soldiers, who lost their lives while fighting in the Civil War. However, it became more popular after the World War I. The concept expanded, and people started honoring the brave soldiers who lost their lives while fighting for any 
military operation, including war. Soon after the Civil War, people who lived in major cities in United States started honoring the heroes of their own hometowns. However, the idea of making the Memorial Day a Federal Holiday came out in 1868. As a result, it had been celebrated on May 30th from 1868-1970. It became a Federal Holiday in 1971 and it’s currently observed every year on the last Monday of May.
The Memorial Day can be considered as an alternative for the Decoration Day. It became extremely popular among people in the country after the World War II. The official name for the Memorial Day was set by Federal Law back in 1967. When civil war ended up in 1865, about 500,000 soldiers lost their lives. Then people started decorating their graves to honor them. During 1915, Moina Belle Michael came up with the idea of wearing red poppies in order to honor the brave soldiers who died for the nation during the civil war. Moreover, money that 
was raised from selling red poppies were used in order to benefit the families of those soldiers.
Memorial Day is not just an ordinary holiday. It is a fascinating victory day where we take time to remember the people who died for the nation. This is the best day of the year to visit the memorial places, which are located throughout the country. A large number of events are also being organized on the Memorial Day and you can think about taking part in them as well. Or else, you can simply prepare to go on a picnic or throw a party. However, it would be a good idea to bring a story of a brave soldier who fought for the country when you are throwing a party on the Memorial Day. On the other hand, you can invite a solider along with his family members to take part in it and enjoy the time. You can also go to the cemetery on the Memorial Day and place a flag and a candle on the graves of veterans. Then you will be spending the Memorial Day in a meaningful manner.
“Tonight, when you go to bed, say a prayer that God watch over those who watch over us, and thank them for their sacrifices, on and off the battlefield. Pray that they have a peaceful night, and will be home soon with their families who also share their burden. Without them, we would not have this moment.“
Neil Leckman