Memorial Day is here.
Memorial Day tends to mark the unofficial start of summer for many Americans, though the season really begins with the Summer Solstice in mid-June.
The annual holiday – which is celebrated on the last Monday of May – is a federal holiday in the United States for mourning the U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces.
Since the Revolutionary War ended, 646,596 American troops have died in battle and more than 539,000 died from other, non-combat related causes.
It was formerly observed on May 30 from 1868 to 1970.
Several Hollywood stars paid tribute to the annual holiday, including Chris Pratt, Zac Efron, Cole Hauser, Reese Witherspoon and Mark Wahlberg.
Proud: Memorial Day is here. Memorial Day tends to mark the unofficial start of summer for many Americans, though the season really begins with the Summer Solstice in mid-June. The annual holiday – which is celebrated on the last Monday of May – is a federal holiday in the United States for mourning the U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces. Here Cole Hauser made his mark
His words: Matthew McConaughey said that people need to remember and respect as well as ‘learn from’
Sweet little one: Alec Baldwin shared a photo of one of his children as he said he was in New York
Others celebrated the three day weekend by posing in a bikini, like Emily Ratajkowski and Jessie James Decker did.
Mark Wahlberg shared a photo of an American flag as honored those in the military who had fallen. ‘Respect and gratitude for all those who made the ultimate sacrifice❤️ #fallenheroes #neverforget #freedomisntfree #MemorialDay.’
Cole Hauser of Yellowstone shared images of flags.
‘Let us all remember the uncommon courage of all who sacrificed their own lives to protect our freedom’s. You are always in my thoughts. The Hauser Family @sofwarriorfnd,’ he wrote.
Matthew McConaughey said that people need to remember and respect as well as ‘learn from.’
Zac Efron shared, ‘ Today let’s remember the courage and sacrifices made by real-life heroes, those who faced challenges far beyond the ones depicted on screen. Let’s dedicate this day and every day to honoring their sacrifice and unyielding bravery. #MemorialDay.’
Denise Austin posed in a red one piece bathing suit as she stood in a doorway of a mansion.
‘Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone!!!’ she began her note.
‘I hope you’re all having an amazing time with your loved ones!! Do you have any special plans?? Share them with me in the comments..I love connecting with you all!! Xoxo.’
Prayer: Mark Wahlberg shared a photo of an American flag as honored those in the military who had fallen. ‘Respect and gratitude for all those who made the ultimate sacrifice❤️ #fallenheroes #neverforget #freedomisntfree #MemorialDay’
Halle Berry shared an image of herself on Memorial Day. ‘On this Memorial Day remembering all the men and women who lost the fight so that we could continue ours! God Bless,’ noted the Catwoman actress.
Emily Ratajkowski poses in a bikini to celebrate the three-day weekend.
Reese Witherspoon wrote on her Instagram account, ‘Honoring all of the service men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Today and always. #memorialday.’
And Reese’s company Draper James made a patriotic Instagram post while sharing an image of an American flag.
From the south: Carrie Underwood shared, ‘May we never forget the sacrifice of so many so that we can be free. #MemorialDay’
MEMORIAL DAY: Zac Efron shared, ‘ Today let’s remember the courage and sacrifices made by real-life heroes, those who faced challenges far beyond the ones depicted on screen. Let’s dedicate this day and every day to honoring their sacrifice and unyielding bravery. #MemorialDay’
A look back: Efron also shared a photo of the brave
His note: Diddy said he was humbled by the service of the US forces, signing the note ‘love’
Flags everywhere: Paris Hilton’s sister Nicky Hilton showed a row of US flags in the Hamptons
On the town: Halle Berry shared an image of herself on Memorial Day. ‘On this Memorial Day remembering all the men and women who lost the fight so that we could continue ours! God Bless,’ noted the Catwoman actress
‘Remembering and honoring all of the brave women and men who gave their lives to protect our freedom and safety. Thanks and love ❤️ #memorialday,’ the actress wrote in the caption.
Flag etiquette on Memorial Day is unique, according to the Farmers Almanac.
At sunrise, flags are to be raised to full staff briskly, then lowered to half staff position, where they will remain until noon. See guidelines for flying the American Flag.
Traditionally, on Memorial Day (U.S.), volunteers often place small American flags on each grave site at national cemeteries. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time. Consider visiting a local cemetery to place flags; many organizations would be grateful for volunteers. Contact your local American Legion post, Daughters of the American Revolution, or Boy or Girl Scouts troops.
The custom of honoring ancestors by cleaning cemeteries and decorating graves is an ancient and worldwide tradition. In early rural America, it was usually performed in summer and was an occasion for family reunions and picnics.
Getting a sun tan: Hailey Bieber posed in a red string bikini while on a boat for this snap shared to Instagram
Sun time: Emily Ratajkowski posted images from her trip to Brazil as she posed in her line Inamorata
In the sun: Sydney Sweeney shared images from her trip to St Tropez
Red-y to party: On Memorial Day Denise Austin posed in a red one piece bathing suit as she stood in a doorway of a mansion. ‘Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone!!!’ she began her note
The ritual of visiting family graves and memorials was never a morbid tradition. Rather, it was an annual act of remembrance, as well as a chance to clean and decorate family memorials.
Often, families would picnic as well; cemeteries were often the only open green spaces in crowded cities.
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day, starting with the American Civil War. It’s believed that the tradition of honoring the dead was inspired by the way Southern states decorated the graves of both Confederate and Union soldiers with flowers, wreaths, and flags.
Several cities and towns across the country lay claim as the first to observe Decoration Day. On May 5, 1866, Waterloo, New York, hosted its own community-wide event that, in 1966, led to President Lyndon Johnson declaring the town as the birthplace of Decoration Day.
Meanwhile, on May 5, 1868, inspired by the suggestion of veteran, Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic (a fraternal organization of Union Civil War veterans), issued General Order No. 11, designating the 30th of May as an annual day of remembrance. The idea caught on.
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