Memorial Day 2010: History, Traditions and Celebrations

Say thanks to a veteran, and pay respects to a fallen soldier.

Memorial Day 2010 is here, and the time has come to pay respect to the men and women who have fallen in combat over the course of American history.

Observed on the last monday in May, Memorial Day offers Americans everywhere a chance to remember the men and women who have been killed in past American wars. It has also become tradition to not only place American flags on the graves of those who fell during combat, but also on the tombs of all veterans.

The history of Memorial Day in the U.S. goes back over a hundred years, with numerous cities holding days of remembrance for the end of the Civil War and for the soldiers who had fallen on both sides.

Animosity still existed between North and South, though the day of remembrance soon came to be observed by both sides and then by the nation as a whole once wounds began to heal.

The day of May 30th was allegedly picked because it was NOT the anniversary of a battle.

For many years the holiday was known as Decoration Day, but the term Memorial Day became official in 1967.

For most people, the holiday is spent visiting the graves, tombs and mausoleums of veterans, with the nation taking a moment of silence at 3 p.m. local time.

With the country currently in two wars, America should give some of its thoughts and well-wishes also to the soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as veterans who've made it home.

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