Memorial Day History
Memorial Day was originally known by this name, referring to the practice of placing flowers on soldiers' graves.
Decoration Day
"I'm hot, sticky sweet, from my head to my feet" — this 2010 Katy Perry song defined the summer.
"California Gurls"
This yellow condiment gets its color from turmeric, not from its main ingredient.
Yellow mustard
In 1986, this Tom Cruise movie made aviator sunglasses and bomber jackets cool again. Its 2022 sequel was a massive hit.
Top Gun
Of the 50 U.S. states, this one has the longest coastline — beating even Florida and California.
Alaska
Memorial Day is always observed on this day of the week in May.
The last Monday
Released in summer 2017, this Camila Cabello hit features Young Thug and references her Cuban roots.
Havana
Invented in 1904 reportedly at the St. Louis World's Fair, this handheld dessert is a cookout staple — especially when paired with sprinkles or a dip.
The ice cream cone
This Marvel superhero, played by Chris Evans, carries a vibranium shield with a star on it.
Captain America
The bald eagle became the official national bird of the United States in this year — surprisingly recent given its long use as a symbol.
2024
Memorial Day's origins trace back to this American war, which claimed roughly 620,000 lives
The Civil War
This Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff hit samples Kool & the Gang's "Summer Madness" and shares its name with the season.
"Summertime"
This green, creamy side dish made from a Mexican fruit is a cookout staple — and yes, the fruit is technically a berry.
Guacamole (avocado)
Often misinterpreted as a patriotic anthem, this 1984 Bruce Springsteen song is actually a critique of how Vietnam vets were treated.
Born in the U.S.A."
This is the only U.S. state with a one-word, single-syllable name.
Maine
This red flower became a symbol of remembrance after WWI, inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields."
The (red) poppy
Released in 1966, this Lovin' Spoonful hit describes the heat of New York City with the lyric "hot town" in its title.
"Summer in the City"
This Southern side dish combines mayo, mustard, and chopped pickles with a starchy boiled root vegetable.
Potato salad
Bill Pullman delivers a rousing presidential speech about humanity's survival in this 1996 sci-fi blockbuster.
Independence Day
This American inventor holds the record for most U.S. patents by a single person, with 1,093.
Thomas Edison
In 1966, LBJ proclaimed this small New York town the official birthplace of Memorial Day.
Waterloo
This 2017 Luis Fonsi/Daddy Yankee/Bieber track became the longest-running #1 song of all time at the time of its release.
"Despacito"
This grilling technique uses indirect heat and smoke over a long period of time — think brisket and ribs.
Barbecuing (or low and slow / smoking)
Composed by John Philip Sousa in 1896, this march is the official National March of the United States.
"The Stars and Stripes Forever"
This national park, established in 1872, was the world's first.
Yellowstone