Memorial Day 2024

Graphic for Memorial Day that says "we will always remember"

Memorial Day is a day to remember those who have fallen in service to our country. It was originally called Decoration Day from the tradition of decorating graves of the fallen with flowers, wreaths, and flags. While it was first widely observed on May 30, 1868 to commemorate the service of Civil War soldiers, after World War I it was expanded to honor those who had died serving the U.S. in any war. Congress designated the last Monday of May as Memorial Day as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act passed in 1971.

Booklists

PPLD Resources

Books

Books about the military can be found in our nonfiction and juvenile nonfiction sections. Look for these call numbers to find where these books are located:

  • 355 – Military Science
  • 623 – Military Engineering
  • 973 – U.S. History
  • Gale In Context: Elementary: Memorial Day
    Explore facts and history about Memorial Day with the kids in your life. (Must have a library card that starts with a 4 to access outside of a Library location.)
  • Gale In Context: U.S. History: Memorial Day
    Experience Memorial Day in new ways through videos, articles, biographies, images, and more in this history database. (Must have a library card that starts with a 4 to access outside of a Library location.)

Websites

  • Memorial Day (Visit Colorado Springs)
    Find out about Memorial Day events and activities coming up in Colorado Springs and the surrounding area.
  • 9 Things You May Not Know About Memorial Day (History Channel)
    What do modern Memorial Day celebrations have in common with ancient traditions? Who organized one of the earliest Memorial Day commemorations? What town was the real birthplace of Memorial Day? Read this article to learn more! 
  • Celebrating America’s Freedoms (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
    Explore the origins of Memorial Day and find out how different states celebrate.
  • The History of Memorial Day (PBS)
    Learn about the origins of Memorial Day, and visit the Wall of Remembrance to share memories about service members in your life or view memories left by others. 
  • Memorial Day: A Commemoration (National Archives)
    View videos, articles and blogs, and more about Memorial Day from the National Archives.
  • The WWI Origins of the Poppy as a Remembrance Symbol (History Channel)
    The poppy hasn’t always been a symbol of remembrance. Learn the WWI origins of this well-recognized symbol.