Springtime usually means the onset of flowers and a renewal of life, but it has also been a time to mourn and memorialize sacrifices made by those in the armed services. Memorial Day on the last Monday of May each year is a time to remember and honor those who gave their lives for America. After the Civil War, local communities through both the north and south began the practice of systematically placing flowers on the graves of those who served. It did not become an official national holiday until1971.
Source:
US Dept. of Veteran's Affairs
Other nations followed the example set by the Americans and after the World Wars nations throughout the world established their own Memorial Days.
- Dodenherdenking (Remembrance of the Dead) - May 4th Netherlands (est. 1961)
- Vimy Ridge Day - April 9th Canada (est. 2003)
- Anzac Day - April 25th Australia (est. 1920)
