Memorial Day History
When is Memorial Day celebrated?
Last Monday in May
What was Memorial Day originally known as?
Decoration Day
Which U.S. general and commander later became the 18th president of the United States?
A) George Washington
B) Andrew Jackson
C) Ulysses S. Grant
D) Dwight D. Eisenhower
Ulysses S. Grant
Where do people often celebrate Memorial Day if they live close enough?
A) The mountains
B) The city center
C) The beach
D) A shopping mall
The Beach
What does the folding of the American flag into a triangle during Memorial Day ceremonies represent?
A) The shape of a soldier’s hat
B) The tri-cornered hat worn by Revolutionary War soldiers
C) The three branches of government
D) The three main military services
The tri-cornered hat worn by Revolutionary War soldiers
About how many Americans visit Arlington National Cemetery each year?
4 Million People
Where was the first Memorial Day celebration held?
Arlington, Virginia. At the Arlington National Cemetery.
How many total Americans died in the Civil War?
A) About 100,000
B) About 250,000
C) About 400,000
D) About 620,000
About 620,000
What is a party where food is grilled called?
A) Picnic
B) Potluck
C) Barbecue / Cookout
D) Buffet
Barbecue / Cookout
What is the significance of the “Taps” bugle call played on Memorial Day?
A) It signals the start of a parade
B) It honors the fallen and signals “lights out”
C) It welcomes veterans home
D) It marks the end of the ceremony
It honors the fallen and signals “lights out”
Which law, passed in 1968, established Memorial Day to be celebrated on the last Monday in May?
The Uniform Monday Holiday Act
How many participants decorated graves for the first Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery?
About 5,000
Who was president during the Civil War?
A) George Washington
B) Abraham Lincoln
C) Ulysses S. Grant
D) Thomas Jefferson
Abraham Lincoln
Which of the following foods are commonly made at cookouts?
A) Hamburgers, hot dogs, and ribs
B) Sushi and sashimi
C) Pasta and risotto
D) Pancakes and waffles
Hot dogs, hamburgers, and ribs
What is the traditional Memorial Day color scheme, and what do the colors represent?
A) Red, white, and blue — representing valor, purity, and justice
B) Green and gold — representing growth and prosperity
C) Black and white — representing mourning and peace
D) Red and black — representing blood and sacrifice
Red, white, and blue — representing valor, purity, and justice
Which major sporting event traditionally takes place every Memorial Day weekend?
Indianapolis 500
In what year was Decoration Day, the holiday later renamed Memorial Day, officially established?
1868
Which president signed the National Moment of Remembrance Act?
Bill Clinton
What flower is traditionally worn to remember fallen soldiers?
A) Rose
B) Daisy
C) Poppy
D) Tulip
Poppy
Which of the following is a common practice at many Memorial Day ceremonies to honor fallen soldiers?
A) Releasing doves into the sky
B) Lighting candles or lanterns
C) A moment of silence at 3 PM
D) Laying wreaths on memorials or graves
Laying wreaths on memorials or graves
Memorial Day was originally established to honor soldiers who died in which war?
The Civil War
Memorial Day originated from which type of early ceremonies?
A) Veterans’ parades
B) Decoration of soldiers’ graves
C) National days of fasting
D) Military recruitment rallies
Decoration of soldiers’ graves
Which woman is often credited with initiating the first Memorial Day observance?
A) Clara Barton
B) Mary Ann Williams
C) Harriet Tubman
D) Sojourner Truth
Mary Ann Williams
Which of the following is a common tradition observed on Memorial Day?
A) Lighting fireworks at midnight
B) Flying the American flag at half-staff until noon
C) Exchanging gifts among family members
D) Planting trees in public parks
Flying the American flag at half-staff until noon
What time of day is traditionally observed with a National Moment of Remembrance on Memorial Day?
A) 12:00 noon
B) 3:00 PM
C) Sunset
D) Midnight
3:00 PM