AMERICAN WARS & BATTLES
What war was fought between the North and South regions of the United States from 1861–1865?
The Civil War.
Who was the commanding general of the Continental Army during the American Revolution?
George Washington.
What red flower became the symbol of remembrance for fallen soldiers after World War I?
The poppy.
What branch of the military is primarily responsible for naval warfare?
The Navy.
During World War II, what woman became the symbol of women working in factories and shipyards?
Rosie the Riveter.
Memorial Day is observed on what day each year?
The last Monday in May.
What famous battle in Texas became a symbol of bravery and sacrifice during the Texas Revolution?
The Battle of the Alamo.
Which president issued the Emancipation Proclamation during the Civil War?
Abraham Lincoln.
What military bugle call is traditionally played at military funerals and Memorial Day ceremonies?
Taps.
What is the highest military award for valor in the United States?
The Medal of Honor.
What household item was rationed during World War II, causing Americans to use coupon books?
Sugar, gasoline, butter, coffee, or meat (accept any rationed item).
At what time are Americans encouraged to pause for the National Moment of Remembrance on Memorial Day?
3:00 PM local time.
What World War II battle is considered the turning point in the Pacific Theater after a major U.S. naval victory in 1942?
The Battle of Midway.
Who served as Supreme Commander of Allied Forces in Europe during World War II before becoming president?
Dwight D. Eisenhower.
What does POW stand for?
Prisoner of War.
What military term refers to soldiers who are absent and whose whereabouts are unknown during combat?
Missing in Action (MIA).
What famous song by Irving Berlin became an unofficial anthem of homesick soldiers during World War II?
“White Christmas.”
Which president officially declared Waterloo, New York the birthplace of Memorial Day?
Lyndon B. Johnson.
Which battle is remembered for General George Washington crossing the Delaware River on Christmas night in 1776?
The Battle of Trenton.
Which U.S. president famously declared December 7, 1941 “a date which will live in infamy”?
Franklin D. Roosevelt.
What monument in Washington, D.C. features over 58,000 names of Americans killed or missing in the Vietnam War?
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial (The Wall).
What military academy in New York is famous for training Army officers?
West Point.
What government program encouraged Americans to grow their own food during wartime shortages?
Victory Gardens.
What famous military cemetery in France honors Americans who died during the D-Day invasion?
Normandy American Cemetery.
What bloody Civil War battle led President Lincoln to later deliver the Gettysburg Address?
The Battle of Gettysburg.
The Battle of Gettysburg.
Who was the Union general known as “Unconditional Surrender” Grant?
Ulysses S. Grant.
What folded flag presentation symbolizes gratitude from a nation to the family of a fallen service member?
The American flag folded into a triangle.
What military cemetery overlooking Washington, D.C. is the burial place of President John F. Kennedy and thousands of veterans?
Arlington National Cemetery.
What code name was given to the Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944?
D-Day / Operation Overlord.
What year did Memorial Day become an official federal holiday under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act?
1971.
What Korean War battle involved U.S. Marines fighting in freezing temperatures during a strategic withdrawal in 1950?
The Battle of Chosin Reservoir.
What naval commander won a decisive victory at the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War?
Admiral George Dewey.
What holiday began after the Civil War as “Decoration Day” before becoming Memorial Day?
Memorial Day.
What elite group of African American pilots served with distinction during World War II?
The Tuskegee Airmen.
What technology breakthrough involving secret codebreaking helped the Allies shorten World War II?
Breaking the German Enigma code.
What famous speech begins with the words “Four score and seven years ago”?
The Gettysburg Address.