Remembering Heroes on Memorial Day

Memorial Day is a special holiday in the United States. It happens on the last Monday of May. On this day, Americans remember and honor the people who died while serving in the country's armed forces. It's a time to think about their sacrifice and show our gratitude.

Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day. They might place flowers or flags on the graves of fallen soldiers. There are also parades in many towns and cities, often featuring veterans, marching bands, and community groups. Some people attend memorial services to remember those who gave their lives for their country.

It's important to understand that Memorial Day is different from Veterans Day, which is in November. Veterans Day honors all people who have served in the military, whether they are living or deceased. Memorial Day specifically remembers those who died in service.

For many families, Memorial Day is also a time for gatherings and the unofficial start of summer. People often have picnics, barbecues, and enjoy the long weekend. However, the original and most important meaning of the day is to remember and pay tribute to the brave men and women who died protecting the freedoms of the United States.

Discussion Questions

• What is the main purpose of Memorial Day?
• What are some things people do on Memorial Day?
• What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?
• How do people in your country remember people who have died for their country?
• What does the word “sacrifice” mean to you in this context?

Vocabulary List

• holiday 🔊: a special day of celebration when many people do not go to work or school.
  • Example: Christmas is a popular holiday.
  • Example: We have a three-day holiday next weekend.
• honor 🔊: to show great respect for someone or something.
  • Example: We honor our teachers for their hard work.
  • Example: The ceremony was held to honor the war veterans.
• serving 🔊: working for an organization, especially in the armed forces.
  • Example: My uncle is serving in the army.
  • Example: She dedicated her life to serving her community.
• armed forces 🔊: the military forces of a country (army, navy, air force, etc.).
  • Example: He joined the armed forces after high school.
  • Example: Memorial Day honors those who died while serving in the armed forces.
• sacrifice 🔊: the act of giving up something important or valuable for the sake of others.
  • Example: The soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
  • Example: She made many personal sacrifices to raise her children.
• gratitude 🔊: the feeling of being thankful.
  • Example: We should show gratitude for the people who help us.
  • Example: He expressed his gratitude for their support.
• cemeteries 🔊: places where dead people are buried.
  • Example: They visited the cemetery to place flowers on the grave.
  • Example: Many old cemeteries have interesting historical markers.
• memorials 🔊: structures or places created to honor the memory of people or events.
  • Example: There is a memorial to the victims of the disaster.
  • Example: They visited the war memorial in the park.
• veterans 🔊: people who have served in the armed forces.
  • Example: The parade included many war veterans.
  • Example: Veterans Day honors all veterans.
• tribute 🔊: an act, statement, or gift intended to show gratitude, respect, or admiration.
  • Example: The concert was a tribute to the famous musician.
  • Example: We pay tribute to the fallen heroes on Memorial Day.