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The last Monday in May is Memorial Day across most states in the US. Besides offering the vacation-starved a 3-day weekend to kick-off the summer season with a barbecue, do you know what Memorial Day is all about?

Memorial Day is a legal holiday to honor the United States citizens who have died in war. Memorial Day is celebrated in every state. The people of Alabama and other southern states also celebrate a Confederate Memorial Day in April.

Religious services and parades mark the day. Many people leave flowers at the grave sites of loved ones who died in war. Every year the President places a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery in our nation’s capitol. As a tribute to those who gave up their lives for their country, flags are flown at half-staff until noon.