Memorial Day or Decoration Day is a national holiday in United States. Memorial Day is celebrated on the final Monday of May. This particular day is to recognize and remember U.S men and women that have passed away in military service to their country. It originally began to recognize Union Soldiers who died in the course of the American Civil War. For many, it hearkens the outset of summertime. Schools are typically dismissed on Memorial Day.

This holiday, often many people visit cemeteries and memorials. At 3 pm, Washington time, a National Moment of remembrance occurs. An additional traditional practice on Memorial Day is to fly the National flag at half staff from sunrise to the high noon local time. At various cemeteries, the graves of the martyrs are ever more overlooked and neglected. The majority of people no longer commemorate the correct flag etiquette for the day. Even though there are communities and cities that continue to have Memorial Day parades, many have not held a parade in many years. Little by little, as years go by, the present generation is perplexed whether Memorial Day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those died in service to the country. In addition to the traditional practices, friends and families do take some time off to go for picnics, celebrations and sporting functions.

In 1915, inspired by means of the poem "In Flander's Fields", Moina Michael responded with her own poem:

We cherish too, the poppy red

That grows on fields where valor led,.

It seems to signal to the skies.

That blood of heroes never dies.

Moina Michael then imagined a concept of wearing red poppies on Memorial day in honor of people who died serving the nation during the American Civil War. She was the very first one to wear. She also sold poppies to her good friends and colleagues and the cash went for the blessing of servicemen in need.

Other countries similarly appreciated the tradition and were inspired to recognize a quite similar Memorial Day in their own nation. Madam Guerin from France visited the United States and learned of this unique tradition started by Moina Michael and once she returned to France, made artificial red poppies to raise money for war-orphaned children and widowed women. This particular custom spread to other nations. As a matter of fact France and Belgium observe a little something very similar called the Remembrance Day that takes notice of the end of World War I. The Netherlands honor fallen soldiers and civilian casualties from World War II, but additionally from wars in Indonesia and other wars on May 4th, Just one day prior to "Bevrijdingsdag" (Liberation Day in recognition of liberation from Nazi Germany on May 5, 1945). In Ireland, National Day of Commemoration celebrates all Irish that died in past wars or in service with the United Nations. In Israel, Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day) is celebrated one day prior to Independence Day. In Australia and New Zealand, April 25 is celebrated as a remembrance of individuals who died at Gallipoli during World War I.