Memorial Day 2024, National Moment of Remembrance: Should you say happy Memorial Day?
The Memorial Day weekend is coming up fast.
The three-day weekend for many is marked as the unofficial start of summer — although it has nothing to do with astronomical or meteorological seasons. Memorial Day is a day rich in tradition, but how much do you really know about the holiday?
When is Memorial Day and why is it on a different date every year? Should you say happy Memorial Day? Here's what you should know about the day, why we celebrate it and ceremonies you can find in Florida.
When is Memorial Day 2024?
Memorial Day is held on the last Monday of May. In 2024, Memorial Day is on May 27.
Is Memorial Day a federal holiday?
Yes, Memorial Day is one of 11 federal holidays. Schools and libraries will be closed, along with most federal and state offices. There will be no mail delivery on Memorial Day.
Is Memorial Day a Florida holiday?
Yes. Memorial Day is a holiday recognized by Florida. Most state and local offices will be closed.
Will there be school in Florida on Memorial Day?
For many Florida students, school will end before Memorial Day.
For students still in school, there will be no classes on May 27.
What is the true meaning of Memorial Day?
Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day can trace its origins back to the years after the Civil War when people began to decorate the graves and say prayers to those killed during the war.
In 1868, Gen. John Logan called for a nationwide day of remembrance, according to History.com. The observance was called Decoration Day, and it was observed on May 30, 1868, as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. The date was chosen because it wasn't the anniversary of any Civil War battle, History.com said.
Originally honoring only those who died during the Civil War, Decoration Day expanded to recognize the sacrifices of others after World War I.
"The holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars, including World War II, The Vietnam War, The Korean War and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan," according to the U.S. Army Airborne and Special Operations Museum.
Memorial Day became an official federal holiday in 1971 and changed from May 30 to the last Monday in May under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act.
Fast facts: 10 historical facts about Memorial Day
Who do we honor on Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is a day set aside to honor members of the U.S. military who have died in service to their country.
What is the National Moment of Remembrance? Putting 'memorial' back into Memorial Day
In May 1996, children touring Lafayette Park in Washington, D.C., were asked what Memorial day meant. Their answer was that it was when pools open, according to National Moment of Remembrance.
That answer sparked an effort to put "memorial" back into Memorial Day, and in December 2000, the National Moment of Remembrance Act was signed into law with these goals in mind:
To demonstrate gratitude to those who died for our freedom.
To remind all Americans of the importance of remembering those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.
To provide U.S. citizens in America and throughout the world the opportunity to join in this symbolic act of unity.
To make Memorial Day relevant, especially to younger Americans.
What do you do during the National Moment of Remembrance?
"The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation," according to the VA.
What not to do on Memorial Day?
This really isn't the day to thank someone for their service just because it's Memorial Day; Save those wishes for Veterans Day or Armed Forces Day.
Remember that the purpose of Memorial Day is to focus and remember those who died during their service.
There's nothing wrong with spending time with family or finding special sales, but don't forget to reflect and appreciate the sacrifices that make it all possible.
Should you say 'Happy Memorial Day'?
Memorial Day is intended to honor those people who have died in service to their country, so wishing someone a "Happy Memorial Day" really isn't appropriate.
For families who have lost loved ones, it's often not a happy day in the traditional sense but a solemn day filled with emotion.
So what can you say instead?
The Wounded Warrior Project suggested saying "Have a meaningful Memorial Day" or even "Today and always, I’m remembering (name).”
What's the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?
Memorial Day honors the sacrifice and loss of those who have served and died in the military.
Veterans Day honors all who have served in the U.S. military. This is the time to thank a member of the military for their service.
Florida ceremonies to mark Memorial Day 2024
Many communities observe Memorial Day with parades, concerts or ceremonies put on by local veteran organizations. Among the observances and activities around Florida over the Memorial Day weekend are:
Pensacola: Patriotic music, flags placed on gravesites at Barrancas National Cemetery, Memorial Day observances, wreath-laying ceremony.
West Palm Beach: Jupiter Memorial Day Ceremony, Palm Beach Gardens Memorial Day Ceremony, Royal Palm Beach Memorial Day Ceremony, Wellington Day Parade and Ceremony, Day to Remember Memorial Day Service in Lantana, Boca Raton Memorial Day Ceremony and Concert.
Brevard: Memorial Day tribute in Cocoa Village, Memorial Day program at Liberty Bell Museum, Memorial Day observance on Merritt Island, Memorial Day observance in Mims, Memorial Day service in Titusville.
Sarasota: Sarasota Memorial Day Parade, Tribute to Heroes Block Party and Parade in Lakewood Park, Patriotic Pops Concert and Fireworks Display at CoolToday Park, Memorial Day Concert.
Treasure Coast: Memorial Island Sanctuary's Memorial Day Ceremony, Memorial Day Picnic in St. Lucie County, City of Stuart Annual Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony.
Naples: Memorial Day service in Bonita Springs, "Patriotic Pops" concerts at Artis―Naples.
What's closed on Memorial Day?
All banks, schools and nonessential government offices will be closed for the holiday weekend.
However, most stores, restaurants supermarkets — including Publix — and convenience stores will be open
Memorial Day closings: Memorial Day 2024: What is open, closed in Florida?
When is the best time to travel during Memorial Day weekend?
AAA projects 43.8 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. This is a 4% increase over last year.
AAA expects 3.51 million air travelers during the holiday weekend, an increase of 4.8% over last year.
Transportation data and insights provider INRIX suggested the best times to get on the road:
If leaving Thursday or Friday, hit the road early to avoid mixing with commuters.
Travelers going back home on Sunday or Monday should avoid the afternoon hours when return trips will peak.
Busiest travel times:
Thursday: noon-6 p.m.
Friday: noon-7 p.m.
Saturday: noon-5 p.m.
Sunday: 3-7 p.m.
Monday: 3-7 p.m.
Memorial Day road trip: Here are the best and worst times to go in Florida, the Southeast
Staying in Florida over Memorial Day weekend? Get free admission to state parks
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced all Florida state parks will be free to enter during the Memorial Day weekend.
The weekend runs from May 24 through May 27.
Florida state parks: Visiting Florida state park soon? Here are the 10 most popular parks, and how to get in free
Memorial Day sales
Here are companies offering Memorial Day sales we've rounded up for you.
Contributing: Samantha Neely, USA TODAY Network-Florida
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Memorial Day 2024:16 things to know, history, events, how celebrate
