Formerly known as Decoration Day, which day was originally dedicated in 1866 to decorating the graves of Union soldiers in the American Civil War, became "Memorial Day" in 1971 and was established then as a federal holiday by law to commemorate all the United States' military service personnel who died in any U.S. fought war. In most states, Memorial Day is "traditionally" acknowledged as being May 30 and is "observed" on the last Monday in May.

Memorial Day is celebrated with various degrees of military fanfare, including the presidential ceremony of laying a wreath at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and fraternal groups often march in local military parades and take part in special programs. Many American families celebrate Memorial Day today by decorating the graves of family and loved ones with flowers.