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Memorial Day brings to mind cookouts, parades and an excuse for a three-day weekend. But do you know the true meaning behind the day?
The American holiday was brought to life in the years following the Civil War. Originally named Decoration Day, it was a time to honor the Union and Confederate soldiers who died during combat in the four-year war.
Eventually, the name was changed and its scope widened to include all wars after World War I. In 1971, Memorial Day became an official national holiday and is celebrated on the last Monday in May every year.
– Katie Cline, 360 Media, Inc.