Memorial Day is also called Decoration Day. It is a patriotic holiday in our country, a day to honor Americans who gave their lives for their country. Originally, Memorial Day honored military personnel who died in the Civil War. I and II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. On Memorial Day, people place flowers and flags on the graves of military personnel.
Many organizations take part in military parades and special programs.
Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address is often read. Memorials are dedicated on this day. Since the end of World War I, Memorial Day has also been Poppy Day. Volunteers sell small, red artificial poppies as a fund-raiser for disabled veterans. In recent years, the custom has grown in most families to include decorating the graves of loved ones on Memorial Day.