Things Minnesotans Should Know About Memorial Day

THE FACTS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT MEMORIAL DAY

Although it was originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day is an American Holiday, and is a time for us to remember those that fought in wars and lost their lives while serving in the U.S. Military.

DECORATION DAY

It was originally called Decoration Day, because soldiers would decorate the graves of their fallen comrades with flowers, wreaths and flags.

MEMORIAL DAY FACTS

Memorial Day was named Memorial Day in the 1880's, but wasn't an 'official' holiday until 1967.

Due to "The Uniform Monday Holiday Act," which took place in 1971, Memorial Day was moved to the last Monday of the month to ensure long weekends.  Some Veterans organizations have been trying to restore the original date, so they can pay "Proper" tribute to the fallen.

Did you know that it is a legal requirement to stop and pause at 3 pm local time on Memorial Day to stop and pause to remember the fallen? It's true. Congress passed the law in 2000.

Waterloo, New York is considered the birthplace of Memorial Day; even though several other locations including Boalsburg Pennsylvania, still claim that they should be the birthplace of the holiday.