The meaning behind the Memorial Day federal holiday
Memorial Day is about more than cookouts, travel, sales, and the unofficial kickoff to summer.
Why it matters: The federal holiday honors military personnel who lost their lives defending the country.
Despite the holiday's intent, Memorial Day weekend travel is projected to beat a 20-year-old record, AAA data shows.
When is Memorial Day 2025?
Memorial Day is observed each year on the last Monday of May, which is May 26 this year.
The holiday used to be held on May 30 annually until 1971.
Memorial Day and Veterans Day: Key differences
Zoom in: Veterans Day honors all who have served in the U.S. military and is considered a celebration of all veterans, living and dead.
Memorial Day is to recognize fallen military who died in service.
Memorial Day's history
Flashback: Memorial Day was originally called "Decoration Day" and was recognized as early as the 1860s after the Civil War.
The history of Memorial Day is the subject of a longstanding academic debate, with dozens of cities and towns claiming to be the holiday's birthplace.
After World War I, the focus of the holiday shifted to honor American soldiers who died in any war, not only the Civil War.
Why you shouldn't say "Happy Memorial Day"
Reality check: Since Memorial Day is a solemn day to remember the fallen, the Wounded Warrior Project advises people to say: "Have a meaningful Memorial Day," not "Happy Memorial Day."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBS News
4 hours ago
- CBS News
Detroit Juneteenth celebration highlights Camp Ward's historic role in Civil War
June 19, 2025, will mark the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth. The holiday commemorates the emancipation of enslaved black people in Galveston, Texas. Celebrations have already started in Detroit. Campau Park on the city's east used to be Camp Ward, where the 102nd United States Colored Troops trained during the Civil War over 150 years ago. "We represent the only Black regiment from Michigan that fought in the Civil War," Guyler Turner, president and corporal of 102nd U.S. Colored Troop Company B, said. A group of Civil War reenactors set up a tent with help from a local Boy Scout troop on Saturday. Their clothing and oxtail soup demonstrated what it was like for the nearly 900 volunteers who were fighting for something more. "It was a large community of free Blacks here, and also of runaway Blacks who wanted to do something to really earn their own freedom," Sharon Elizabeth Sexton, chair of the Camp Ward Juneteenth Celebration, said. After the Civil War, the site became a legendary Black neighborhood. "At the end of the war, they were given this land to build their homes, and this is where 'Black Bottom' started and grew and grew," Eleanor Anderson, the "Queen of Black Bottom," said. Anderson is also the founder of this event. "I would tell everybody and anybody that we should have our own Juneteenth and not wait for somebody to do it for us," Anderson said. She says the goal is to one day get the area designated as a national historic landmark. "Basically, we want people to know that we are part of history," Sexton said. And we should never forget the past. "Those people laid the foundation for us to be here today. And so that is very important for us to be able to be storytellers, to tell that story, so each generation will never forget where we came from," Turner said.
Buzz Feed
a day ago
- Buzz Feed
The 22 Coziest Father's Day Gifts For Homebody Dads
Whether it be for Father's Day, a holiday or birthday gift, I am definitely among the many who find it difficult to shop for their dad. However, I find that things get easier when I try to hone in on meaningful gifts that he'll actually enjoy and that are representative of who he is as a person, as opposed to just grabbing a generic 'man gift.' And while whiskey stones and camping accessories are all well and good, not every dad is a big drinker or outdoor aficionado. So if you've got a gentle, indoor dad who appreciates creature comforts and little luxuries (like mine), then this Father's Day gift guide is for you. Below, I've rounded up the very best cozy and comforting Father's Day gifts for homebody dads, from weighted blankets and an e-reader for quiet nights in to a luxurious new leather wallet, classic slippers, a neck and shoulder massager and much more. Each one will help him lean into a bit of self-care and, most importantly, help him feel loved and appreciated. What could be better than that? A foot-hugging recovery slide Breathable and supportive, these sturdy slides have a gently firm orthotic insole that doesn't 'sink' the way other overly squishy recovery shoes tend to. They feature a rubber outsole that makes them the ideal indoor/outdoor shoe. Perfect for the dad who needs a little extra cushioning under his feet, they come in three different colors and men's sizes 7– them from Kuru for $99. 1861: The Lost Peace by Jay Winik If your dad loves to curl up with a good book, then he's going to love sinking his teeth into this account of the weeks leading up to the start of the war. This book is surprisingly gripping and gives readers a look at President Lincoln's mindset, the lengths he and his cabinet went to avoid war and introduces new readers to the many ways these leaders attempted to keep peace. Written by New York Times bestselling author Jay Winik, 1861: The Lost Peace is surprisingly timely and is sure to give even the most avid Civil War buffs new material to think it from Amazon for $32. A soft new sweatshirt to add to his collection Champion fleece sweatshirts remain some of the best in the game, and this timeless option is great for dad's more casual days. It's available in seven colors and sizes S to it from Amazon for $14.15+. A wildly soft blanket emblazoned with beloved family photos If your dad is a super cozy person who loves curling up with a blanket and a good book or show, you can't go wrong with this customized photo blanket. It displays eight different photos surrounding a personalized message and comes in a variety of materials like microfiber fleece, plush fleece or luxe fuzzy it from Shutterfly for $39.99+ (originally $79.98+; available in three sizes). A light-blocking sleep mask that won't put pressure on his eyes Manta's sleep masks are ultra-popular thanks to their multi-tasking ability to protect the wearer's sleep. The adjustable eye cups mold right to the contours of the user's face to block out all the light without putting uncomfy pressure on the eyes. They're made with a breathable cotton strap that won't snag, with subtle closures and elastics to keep it secure and it from Amazon for $39. A soft, luxurious and deliciously lightweight robe Parachute's Cloud cotton robe is the perfect example of an everyday basic made more special. It has a lovely, delicate texture that is as cozy and comforting as it is stylish. It's the kind of thing dad would never buy for himself but deserves. Time to replace the ratty one he's been using for years with one of these beauties. It's available in nine colors and sizes XS to 3X. Get it from Parachute for $103+ (originally $129). A pair of classic striped Adidas joggers You can't go wrong with these iconic striped Adidas sweats; they're great for lounging, running errands and more. They look crisp and stylish but couldn't be comfier. Get them in one of six colors in sizes XS to them from Adidas for $56+ (originally $70). A lovely cashmere sweater No dad can ever have too many cashmere sweaters, and this one from Quince has a sophisticated, timeless crewneck silhouette that he'll enjoy for many seasons to come. He'll love it come fall, or, if he runs cold like my dad, will probably put it to use much sooner. It's available in six colors in sizes S–XXL, made with Mongolian cashmere and is deliciously lightweight, soft and it from Quince for $59.90 (originally $138). A big water bottle with a unique straw/spout opening This popular stainless steel water bottle is ideal for using at home, in the car or on the go and an excellent way to help dad stay hydrated. It has a double-wall insulation that can keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours, a wide opening so he can clean it or add ice with ease and a base that will fit into most cupholders. It's available in four sizes and 21 it from Amazon for $24.99+. A pair of cushy cloud slippers If the mere thought of a soft, warm slipper is going to make your dad overheat, consider these plush, cushioned cloud slippers instead. They're wildly popular thanks to their comfortable shape and breathable material. They're lightweight, with a thick, shock-absorbing sole. I have a pair and they just couldn't be more comfortable. They're available in men's sizes 3–14 and 15 them from Amazon for $20.35+. A coffee subscription to Trade Coffee Trade Coffee's gift subscriptions make it easy for coffee devotees to try myriad different kinds of fresh craft coffee from the comfort of home. It's ideal for a coffee-loving dad who wants to travel the world via his morning cup of joe without leaving his favorite lounger. It's a very special way to discover new coffees from some of the best roasters it from Trade Coffee for $40+. A cool carafe for their desktop or bedside With three colors to pick from, this gorgeous Our Place carafe is as versatile as it is beautiful. It has a custom-designed filtering lid along with a cold brew infuser and a wine aerator. He won't know how he went this long without it from Our Place for $129. A pair of powerful binoculars Who doesn't love to sit in their yard and peep at the visiting birds? A pair of binoculars will enhance the experience tenfold. These have a wide field of view, 12 times magnification, adjustable eye cups that can be worn with eyeglasses and an easily adjustable focus. Get it from Amazon for $27.53. A heated Shiatsu back, neck and shoulder massager Everyone loves a little massage, even if they're not necessarily always achy. This massager has eight deep-tissue kneading modes and infrared heating that can ease muscle tension. It's made with mesh and faux leather that is breathable and easy to clean and has three adjustable speeds so your dad can customize his massage to his it from Amazon for $29.99+ (available in three colors). A chic new leather bifold wallet Chances are high that your dad has been rocking the same tattered wallet for decades, making a fancy new one a great gift idea. This black Saffiano leather bifold wallet from A.P.C. has four card slots, two note slots, a patch pocket and a flap coin compartment. It's simple and high-end all at it from Ssense for $239 (originally $265). An aerating spout for his special wines Wine aficionados know that this aerating spout is a must to truly get the most out of your wines. This spout in particular has a roomy aerating chamber and air intake system that infuses wine with just the right amount of oxygen and let it breathe. It has a tapered and ribbed rubber stopper that gives bottles a leak-free seal and a notched, slanted spout that won't drip all over the tablecloth. It can be easily taken apart and cleaned under running water. Pair this with a viewing of my new favorite show Drops of God and settle in for a perfect it from Amazon for $17.99. A chic turntable so he can enjoy his vinyl collection Help a music-loving Dad make use of old LPs with a portable turntable from Crosley. It's the perfect record player to reignite his passion for vinyl. It has Bluetooth connectivity so it can easily pair with speakers, plus adjustable pitch control, three speeds and its own full-range speaker it from Amazon for $68.95. A temp-controlled smart mug Perfect for the easily distracted dad, this temperature controlled mug keeps coffee and other hot drinks at exactly the right temp for as long as he needs. It has a long battery life and can be controlled via an app that can even send notifications. Get it from Amazon for $99.95. Indulge his love of coffee with a petite home espresso machine Upgrade your old man's morning coffee routine with this stunning espresso maker. The Breville Bambino is just what he needs to make lattes, espressos and cappuccinos. Just be warned, he'll never go back to drip coffee again once he's got this beauty in his repertoire. It's definitely pricey, but it's a great group gift from siblings or a splurge that he will enjoy for years to it from Amazon for $469.96+ (available in five colors). A perfectly nostalgic hot water bottle I find that hot water bottles are evocative of a time when you'd get tucked up in bed by your parents under handmade patchwork quilts that had been crafted with love. If your dad is of a certain age, there is a good chance he grew up using them. They're as aesthetically pleasing as they are comforting, cozy and deliciously toasty. There's a reason they've been around for hundreds of years in some iteration or another; they're a timeless way to warm yourself up. Take your pick of 10 cheerful colors with this popular hot water bottle. They're designed to hold heat for as long as possible, with a ribbed outer surface that helps maintain the inner liquid temperature while also protecting skin from it from Amazon for $9.99+. A Kindle Paperwhite e-reader If your pop is an avid reader, then a sleek, lightweight Kindle is perfect for his bookworm needs. It has an adjustable warm light, a wide display, thin border, up to 10 weeks of battery life and quick page turns. It's easy on the eyes and even waterproof. Plus, it can be paired with an Audible subscription and is it from Amazon for $149.99. Dyson Pure Cool fan This multipurpose fan and air purifier from Dyson is an absolute game-changer. I've had one for several years now and don't know how I ever managed without it. It eliminates pollutants while generating and projecting purified air into the room. The filter is easy to change, plus it removes odors and gases, has multiple strength levels and rotates. It's not cheap, but it's a really nice way to help your dad elevate the quality of the air in his home and feel comfortable at all times. Get it from Amazon for $296.95+ (available in two styles).
Associated Press
a day ago
- Associated Press
Veterans Bridge Home to Host First Women Veterans Honor Walk in Raleigh
RALEIGH, NC - June 6, 2025 ( NEWMEDIAWIRE ) - In recognition of Women Veterans Day, Veterans Bridge Home (VBH), in partnership with Wake County, the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and local veteran-serving organizations, will host the inaugural Women Veterans Honor Walk on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon at the North Carolina Veterans Monument in Downtown Raleigh. Participants will walk to honor the service, strength and sacrifice of women who have worn the uniform - past and present. Attendees are encouraged to walk in honor or memory of a woman veteran, whether themselves, a loved one or someone whose service deserves recognition. The walk will conclude at the steps of the North Carolina State Capitol and feature remarks from Secretary Jocelyn Mitnaul Mallette of the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, who will serve as the keynote speaker. The program will also include patriotic music, moments of recognition and access to community resources for women veterans. 'This event is an opportunity to shine a light on the extraordinary contributions of women who have served our country,' said Lori Noonan, chief growth officer of Veterans Bridge Home. 'We're honored to create a space where their service is recognized and celebrated by the community.' Media interested in attending should RSVP to Lori Noonan at [email protected]. Interviews with VBH leadership and event speakers can be arranged upon request. About Veterans Bridge Home Veterans Bridge Home is a committed advocate for service members, veterans, and their families, striving to create stronger communities one veteran at a time. With a mission to connect, lead, and advocate, we focus on providing tailored support services, fostering community integration, and building cross-sector partnerships to ensure that every veteran is supported, connected, and respected. Through a proven process of engagement, care, connection, advocacy, and celebration, Veterans Bridge Home upholds its promise that every veteran matters and is an integral part of our community. For more information, please visit Social Links X | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Media Contact [email protected]14049344343https:// View the original release on
