Memorial Day 2015: History, Traditions, And BBQ Recipes

In the United States, Memorial Day will be celebrated on May 25, 2015. This holiday is one where people celebrate in different ways. BBQ’s, road trips, and military ceremonies are just a few of the ways that people in the United States will spend the day. Sadly, many people do not know the history of this holiday.

Memorial Day was established after the Civil War. The country wanted a special day in which all soldiers who died in the Civil War were remembered and honored. The first state to recognize Memorial Day was New York in 1873. It took time for other states to get on board with this. Even after the Civil War ended, the states still felt divided. By 1890, all the states that made up the Union recognized Memorial Day as a national holiday. The states that made up the Confederacy honored their dead on a different day. It was not until after World War I that the south would recognize Memorial Day. Memorial Day would evolve to become a day that honored all of the fallen soldiers of the United States Armed Forces. Each state celebrates Memorial Day in a different way. People that celebrate this holiday have traditional events that they will do every year.

One of the most popular traditions is the Memorial Day parade. Attending one of these parades is a great way to show respect to the United States military. Many families will attend one of these parades, and that tradition will be passed down through the family for the next generation. If you are looking for a parade to attend in your area, click here.

The United States government has its own traditions on this day. Government ceremonies will be held at many of the war memorials. Government officials will give speeches at these memorials, while veterans and family members of fallen soldiers place flowers to honor their loved ones. Flags at government buildings will be flown at half-staff.

Since Memorial Day is a three-day weekend for most 9-5 workers, many people will gather with their families and friends and have a party. Depending on the weather, these parties normally are outdoors and include BBQs. Food Network has put together a great assortment of recipes to make your Memorial Day party a huge success.

How do you celebrate Memorial Day? What traditions do you and your family have?

[Image via Win McNamee / Getty Images]