Memorial Day, an American holiday observed on the last Monday of
May, honors men and women
who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as
Decoration Day,
it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an
official federal holiday in 1971.
Many
Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or
memorials, holding family
gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, at least,
it marks the beginning of summer.
In Flanders Fields 
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
