Memorial Day 2023: What is Memorial Day in the U.S.?
On the last Monday of May, the United States celebrates Memorial Day. Learn about the history of this commemoration, what it is and why it is an important holiday in the country.
The United States has different celebrations and commemorative dates each year, but one of the most significant is Memorial Day.
This date is commemorated on the last Monday of May and in 2023 this day will be next Monday, May 29.
This day pays tribute to all the soldiers of the American Union who died while serving the United States Army. At the beginning only those who died during the Civil War were commemorated, but as time went by it was expanded to all those soldiers who died in the war field.
The origin of this day, according to several historians, dates back to 1866 in Waterloo, New York, where the first Memorial Day in history was held.
At that time, Waterloo residents decorated the graves of the soldiers with flags and flowers, while stores and stores closed as a show of respect.
In 1966, the U.S. government recognized the date as a national observance. Then, in 1971, the U.S. Congress passed the National Holiday Act, which stipulated that the last Monday in May would be the official day to celebrate Memorial Day, presided over by a weekend of mourning, then three days of tribute.
Inflation will have a place at Americans’ table on Memorial Day: how to deal with high prices this holiday
According to a survey by market research firm Numerator, 84% of consumers expect inflation to have an impact on their Memorial Day shopping, and about 1 in 5 expect it to be significant.
“Inflation will hit the Memorial Day picnic table, and consumers will pay about 13% more for holiday staples this year,” said Kealind Trent, an analyst with Chicago-based Numerator.
According to the survey, nearly three-quarters of consumers have indicated they will reduce their spending this weekend, so it is likely to see significant changes in the way Americans host their outdoor barbecues.