Memorial Day History
When is Memorial Day celebrated?
A) The last Friday in May
B) July 4th
C) The last Monday in May
D) The first Monday in September
Last Monday in May
What was Memorial Day originally known as?
A) Patriot Day
B) Decoration Day
C) Remembrance Day
D) Veterans Day
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 American flag folded 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
What does the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment place at each grave in Arlington National Cemetery every Memorial Day?
A) Roses
B) Red Poppies
C) Small Flags
D) Wreaths
C. Small flags
Where was the birthplace of Memorial Day?
A) Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
B) Washington, D.C.
C)Waterloo, New York
D) Arlington, Virginia
C, Waterloo NewYork
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
D) Buffet
Barbecue
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 organization first promoted a national holiday for decorating the graves of fallen soldiers?
A)American Legion
B) The Gold Star Wives
C) Daughters of the American Revolution
D) Grand Army of the Republic
D. Grand Army of the Republic
In what year was the National Moment of Remembrance, when all Americans are to pause for a minute of silence on Memorial Day, first observed?
A)1971
B)2001
C)2000
D) 2004
C, 2000
Who was president during the Civil War?
A) George Washington
B) Abraham Lincoln
C) Ulysses S. Grant
D) Thomas Jefferson
Abraham Lincoln
What is a popular tradition on the West Lawn of the US Capitol? .
A) Golf on the lawn
B) Picnic Near the Capitol
C) The National Memorial Day Concert
D) The Navy Band Playing Music
C. The National Memorial Day Concert
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
A. Red, white, and blue — representing valor, purity, and justice
Memorial Day was commemorated initially to honor fallen soldiers of which conflict?
A) World War II
B) The American Civil War
C) The Vietnam War
D) The Mexican-American War
B. American Civil War
Which state was the first to recognize Memorial Day officially?
A. California
B. Maryland
C. Virginia
D. New York
D. New York
Which president signed the National Moment of Remembrance Act?
Bill Clinton
Which flower is associated with Memorial Day?
A) Rose
B) Daisy
C) RedPoppy
D) Tulip
Red Poppy
Which of the following is common at many Memorial Day ceremonies to honor fallen soldiers?
A)Playing Taps
B)A Moment of Silence
C) Laying wreaths on memorials or graves
D. All the above
D. All of the above
In what year did U.S. federal law decree that Memorial Day be observed on the last Monday in May?
A)1972
B)1971
C) 1970
D) 1973
B. 1971
Which of these U.S. sporting events is traditionally held on Memorial Day weekend?
A)US Open
B) Stanley Cup
C) Indianapolis 500
D) Super Bowl
C. Indianapolis 500
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