Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering and honoring the military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Many people observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials and placing flags or flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers. There are also parades and other events to commemorate those who lost their lives in service to their country. With its solemn meaning, there has long been a tradition around wearing particular colors for Memorial Day.
When is Memorial Day observed?
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May each year. In 2023, Memorial Day will fall on May 29th.
What is the history of Memorial Day?
The origins of Memorial Day date back to the aftermath of the Civil War in the 1860s. Groups of women in the South started decorating the graves of fallen Confederate soldiers. Other communities, North and South, began holding memorials and dedicating particular days to decorating graves or honoring those killed in the war. In 1868, General John A. Logan, the leader of an organization of Union veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance on May 30th for the Union war dead. This “Decoration Day” was widely observed and became an annual tradition. After World War I, the day expanded to commemorate fallen military personnel from all wars, not just Civil War soldiers. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be observed on the last Monday in May.
When did Memorial Day become a federal holiday?
Memorial Day became an official federal holiday with the passing of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1971, which established that several federal holidays would be observed on Mondays rather than specific calendar dates. This act moved the Memorial Day observation from the fixed date of May 30th to the last Monday in May.
What color are you not supposed to wear on Memorial Day?
The color you are not supposed to wear on Memorial Day is red. There is a long-standing tradition that people should avoid wearing the color red at Memorial Day events or observances. This tradition dates back to the original Decoration Day in the years after the Civil War.
Why avoid wearing red on Memorial Day?
There are a few origins for the tradition of avoiding the color red on Memorial Day:
- Wearing red is seen as inappropriate or disrespectful when commemorating fallen soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their country.
- In the aftermath of the Civil War, women wore white and blue while decorating graves of soldiers out of patriotism. Red was avoided since it was associated with the British redcoats from the Revolutionary War.
- Red is a lively, playful color that does not fit the solemn remembrance of Memorial Day.
When did the tradition of not wearing red start?
The tradition seems to date back to the first Decoration Day observances in the late 1860s. Newspaper accounts from 1868 advise women to avoid red when they decorate graves for the solemn occasion. Throughout the 1870s, accounts of Memorial Day commemoration continue to mention avoiding the color red at memorial events.
What colors are appropriate to wear on Memorial Day?
Instead of red, there are certain colors that are recommended and considered appropriate to wear when honoring Memorial Day:
- White – Symbolizes purity and peace
- Blue – Represents steadfastness, vigilance, perseverance
- Black – Signifies mourning and grief
- Purple – Color of honor and remembrance
- Yellow – Symbol of devotion and renewal
- Green – Represents resilience, hope, and immortality
Other somber, muted, or pastel colors are also suitable for Memorial Day dress. When in doubt, opt for more subtle tones and avoid bright, showy colors.
What do the colors worn on Memorial Day represent?
The colors traditionally worn on Memorial Day carry symbolism related to honoring those who died serving their country:
- White represents purity and peace
- Blue represents justice, vigilance, and perseverance
- Black signifies grief and mourning
- Purple honors sacrifice and remembrance
- Yellow symbolizes devotion and new life
- Green represents resilience, hope, and immortality
Should you wear red, white, and blue on Memorial Day?
Wearing patriotic red, white, and blue colors is popular on some U.S. holidays like Independence Day, but it is not recommended for Memorial Day. The red, white, and blue color scheme is considered too festive and celebratory for the solemn remembrance of Memorial Day. While white and blue are appropriate color choices, avoid wearing red on Memorial Day based on the traditional guidelines.
Is it disrespectful to wear red, white and blue on Memorial Day?
Many people feel it is disrespectful or inappropriate to wear red, white, and blue together on Memorial Day. Since red is seen as not suitable for the solemn occasion, sporting all three colors sends the wrong message. While people may wear white and blue to show patriotism, the full red, white, and blue palette is seen as too celebratory when Memorial Day is meant for quiet remembrance and reflection.
What are other Memorial Day dress guidelines and etiquette?
In addition to avoiding the color red, there are some other recommended guidelines around dress for Memorial Day:
- Wear white tops or shirts along with more sober bottoms in gray, black, navy, or tan
- Opt for subdued suiting in solid, dark colors if wearing business attire
- Accessories can pick up recommended colors like purple, yellow, or white
- Aim for semi-formal attire for Memorial Day events
- Avoid large prints, bright colors, or loud patterns
- Be sure clothes are neat, pressed, and respectful
For military personnel, wearing official uniform is appropriate. For civilians, dressing relatively formally shows respect for the occasion.
Should you wear shorts on Memorial Day?
It is generally advised not to wear shorts to Memorial Day commemorations and ceremonies. While shorts may be comfortable for outdoor parades and events, they are not considered formal enough for honoring veterans and the fallen. It is more respectful to wear pants or other bottoms on Memorial Day.
What do black and white American flags mean on Memorial Day?
It is common to see American flags with black and white stripes instead of the usual red and white on Memorial Day. These black and white American flags are a traditional symbol of remembrance and solemn mourning.
What does a black American flag mean?
A black American flag is specifically meant to represent mourning. The black stripes symbolize grief, loss, and commemoration of fallen service members who sacrificed their lives. It is a very solemn version of the American flag flown to remember those who died.
What does a white American flag mean?
A plain white American flag without any red stripes represents innocence and purity. It signifies holding a solemn memorial for fallen heroes who are honored as blameless. The all-white flag is a quieter version expressing remembrance.
What are common Memorial Day traditions and observances?
Some of the most common traditions and observances associated with Memorial Day include:
- Visiting cemeteries and memorials to decorate graves with flowers or flags
- Placing small American flags by the gravesites of fallen military members
- Observing moments of silence and solemn remembrance
- Attending parades centered on honoring veterans
- Listening to speeches by public officials about service and sacrifice
- Saying the Pledge of Allegiance at commemorations
- Singing patriotic songs like the National Anthem and God Bless America
- Watching air shows with military aircraft flyovers
- Barbecues and family gatherings as informal events
- Marathons, walks, and charity runs to fundraise for veterans
Many communities hold public events centered on the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
When did the tradition of the President laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier start?
The tradition of the President laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Memorial Day started in 1948 with Harry Truman. He led the ceremony dedicating the current Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery that year. Every President since has carried on the tradition, making it an important national commemorative moment.
Memorial Day Observance Facts
Here are some key facts about Memorial Day observances in the United States:
| Observed every year on | Last Monday in May |
| Observances include | Visiting memorials, wreath ceremonies, parades, speeches |
| Popular symbols | Small American flags, red poppies, black and white flags |
| Avoid wearing | Bright colors like red |
| Wear instead | White, blue, black, purple, yellow, green |
| Started as | Decoration Day after the Civil War |
| Became national holiday in | 1971 |
Conclusion
Memorial Day has solemn meaning as a time to honor fallen military service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. There are long-standing traditions around avoiding wearing the color red and instead opting for subdued colors like white, blue, purple, and black. By dressing respectfully, visiting memorials, and reflecting on the meaning of sacrifice, we uphold the purpose of Memorial Day – commemorating those lost serving their country and the freedoms we enjoy.