Memorial Day: How much do you know about it?

Memorial Day 2026 falls on Monday, May 25. It is observed annually on the last Monday of May, creating a three-day weekend to honor and mourn the U.S. military personnel who died while serving.

Photo: Metro Creative Connection

Posted Tuesday, May 19, 2026 10:02 am

The story behind the poem

In 1915, a young Canadian artillery officer, Lt. Alexis Helmer, was killed when an exploding German artillery shell landed near him. His friend, Canadian doctor and artillery commander Maj. John McCrae, was asked to deliver a reading at the gravesite because no chaplain was available.

McCrae later wrote “In Flanders Fields” to honor his friend and other fallen soldiers. The poem remains a moving tribute to those who gave their lives in service to their country.

“In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae, May 1915

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

By Evelyn J. Mocbeichel

Guest Contributor

Throughout the year, Americans celebrate a variety of holidays — some religious, some federal and others are considered more for their merriment content. hen there are holidays that carry a more serious meaning, such as Memorial Day.

Some people may think of Memorial Day simply as the start of the summer season and the arrival of a three-day weekend. Families with children should try to introduce them to the meaning behind this and other American holidays that can sometimes be taken for granted. It is more than a day of store sales and backyard barbecues.

Certain traditions are associated with Memorial Day, including the proper way to display the American flag. The flag should be “raised briskly to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position, where it remains only until noon, then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day.”

If the flag is displayed at night, it should be properly illuminated.

See how you do with this mini quiz about Memorial Day.

Questions

Memorial Day recognition began after what war?
What was Memorial Day called before its name was changed?
What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?
What flower is considered the symbol of remembrance for Memorial Day and is often worn by veterans during parades?5.
What is the name of the poem written by Colonel John McCrae about the flower?

Answers

The Civil War
Decoration Day — because the graves of deceased soldiers were decorated with flowers and American flags.
Memorial Day honors those who died while serving their country. Veterans Day celebrates all U.S. military veterans.
The poppy
“In Flanders Fields”