A traditional Memorial Day celebration is a mix of somber remembrance, family togetherness & fun
The earliest Memorial Day observances began after the Civil War. Communities across the country started honoring fallen soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers, leading to the holiday’s original name: Decoration Day. One of the most well-known early efforts came in 1868, when Union General John A. Logan called for a nationwide day of remembrance on May 30. That idea took hold quickly, and soon towns were marking the date with ceremonies, speeches and processions.
Over time, Memorial Day expanded to honor all American military personnel who died in service. Congress made it a federal holiday in 1971, choosing the last Monday in May to create a long weekend. That three-day break helped the holiday evolve into something broader–a time for family get-togethers, community festivals and backyard cookouts. Still, the heart of the day remains tied to its original meaning: honoring those who gave everything.
Traditional ways to mark the occasion still hold strong. Local parades often feature veterans and marching bands, while others visit cemeteries to place flags on graves or attend memorial services. The national moment of silence at 3:00 PM local time is a simple but powerful act of collective remembrance. These acts help connect the celebration to its deeper purpose.
Of course, food plays a big role in how many people celebrate the day. From classic deviled eggs and baked beans to star-spangled desserts, Memorial Day cookouts are packed with vintage recipes and old-school favorites. Many families also bring along lawn games, music and red, white and blue decorations to round out the celebration with a dose of patriotic flair.
We’ve gathered photos, vintage cards, recipes and historical articles to help you plan a Memorial Day celebration that honors the past while enjoying the present. Whether you’re visiting a cemetery or just firing up the grill, it’s a chance to remember, reflect and celebrate American traditions–old and new.
Did you know that there's a love story behind the first Memorial Day?
When the flowers are reverently placed on the graves on Memorial Day, there will be many indebted to General John Alexander Logan. Here’s why.
20 vintage Memorial Day postcards
Here are more 20 colorfully-illustrated vintage Memorial day postcards for the national American holiday originally known as Decoration Day. These patriotic antique cards are all from the early 1900s.
20 African American soldiers from the Civil War: Fighting for the Union
‘Let us always be willing to give them whatever credit is their due.’ 186,000 men of African descent fought for the Union in the Civil War. Here are some antique portraits showing just a few of these soldiers.
The real Gettysburg Address: Photos, analysis & full text of Abraham Lincolns famous speech (1863)
See what it looked like during President Lincoln’s historic Gettysburg Address speech, plus eyewitness accounts, analysis, full text & and a handwritten copy of the speech.
Perfect Memorial Day picnic ideas from the 70s
We’ve gathered recipes, tips and more great picnic ideas from the 70s so you can have a summery Memorial Day celebration, retro-style!
14 retro hamburger recipes for a differently delicious Memorial Day cookout
Why should hamburgers be limited only to the common, everyday variety? Why not dress them up? Here are 14 retro hamburger recipes you might want to try.
Zesty baked beans & barbecue beans recipes from 1955
Just 30 minutes in a hot oven, and the bubbling goodness and tantalizing aroma of this zesty baked beans recipe will speed the family to the table on the double!
22 divinely delicious classic deviled egg recipes
The deviled egg is a true American innovation, and it is perfect for your Memorial Day cookout or picnic celebration. Here are 22 different old-fashioned and divinely delicious deviled egg recipes for you to try!
Classic green pea salad recipe (1970)
Serve this fresh and seasonal vintage green pea salad recipe at your Memorial Day BBQ!
Flag cakes with strawberries & blueberries: The classic no-bake recipe from the 90s
Red, white and blue flag cakes are always fun to have for patriotic holidays, and this stars and stripes dessert – covered with bright berries – has one of the simplest recipes around!
Celebrate the USA with these red white and blue stars & stripes desserts (1955 & 1972)
This star-shaped dessert seems so very American. It starts with red Jello, and has a white layer with marshmallows, then is topped with blueberries — a fruit that is native to North America.
All-American Jell-O flag & patriotic parfaits (1999)
Here’s how to make a spectacular red, white and blue Jello dessert – the perfect retro treat for Memorial day!
Firecracker & fireworks coloring pages: Celebrate with free printables!
Print one or more of these printable fireworks coloring pages out, have some fun, and let the colors of fireworks and firecrackers light up your Memorial Day!
