In the list of days dedicated to the memory and sacrifice of Americans killed in wars, Memorial Day holds a special place. It is celebrated this year on Monday, May 25.
Memorial Day is one of the highlights of collective life in the United States. It honors the Americans who are members of the armed forces who have perished in the service of their country. This public holiday takes place on the last Monday of May; this year is May 25. However, the US military did not wait to prepare it or, in the case of those in operation, to celebrate it.

Since 1886
Memorial Day is believed to have originated in the Civil War from 1861 to 1865. It was officially established on May 5, 1866 by Union Brigadier General John Murray. The story is a bit complicated since it merges with that of the Decoration Day, launched in 1868 and set for May 30. But it was not until 1882 that people began to mention "Day of Memory".

The date was later set for May 20 but under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968, it was changed, as explained by military historian Peter Caddick-Adams. It was therefore the last Monday in May that was chosen, which establishes a long three-day weekend.

Insofar as this Day is dedicated to the memory of fallen soldiers, the celebration of Memorial Day is marked by the half-masting of the American flag, in sign of national mourning. Like the President of the United States, who visits the Arlington National Cemetery each year, many Americans go to cemeteries or to monuments paying tribute to the armed forces to lay flowers or flags. .
Memorial Day traditions include the Rolling Thunder, a biker parade that brings together thousands of veterans, in Washington, on a long motorized ride along the National Mall where the main war memorials are located. Another tradition: a minute of silence at 3 p.m. This "National Moment of Remembrance" can be respected both at home and in public space.