Memorial Day quickly approaches as we slide into the home stretch of May. But what do you really know about the Memorial Day Holiday, which should not to be confused with Veterans Day? All I know is that most get a three day weekend and the school year is just about over. So, let's test your holiday skills and see if you are smarter than a 5th grader.



Go ahead and see if you can answer the following 7 questions, no peeking at the answers.

1. When is Memorial Day?

2. What was the original name of this Holiday called?

3. What year was the name changed to Memorial Day?

4. What president proclaimed Waterloo, NY the birthplace of Memorial Day in 1966?

5. What is the nation's largest national cemetery?

6. What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?

7. In what year was Memorial Day declared a national holiday by an act of Congress?

Here are the answers:

1. Memorial Day is the last Monday in May.

2. The original name of the holiday was Decoration Day.

3. The name was changed in 1882.

4. President Lyndon Johnson made the proclamation in 1966.

5. Arlington National Cemetery is the nations largest.

6. Memorial Day typically honors military personnel who died in service of their country whereas Veterans Day honors all military personnel, past and present.

7. Memorial Day was declared a national holiday in 1971.

So how did you do? Don't worry if you only got half of the answers correct, we all remember quite vividly our family members who have served in the armed forces. This day can also be used to remember and honor the memory of loved ones who were not in the military. In 1915, Moina Michael was inspired to write this poem in reference to Memorial Day.

We cherish too, the Poppy red

That grows on fields where valor led.

It seems to signal to the skies

That blood of heroes never dies.

As you fire up the grill, head to the beach or just relax at home, take some time to reflect on someone who is no longer with you. Celebrate with others by sharing stories of memorable moments of the past with your loved ones. Imagine, the ability to take an old picture of your loved one who has passed on, add your short story and make it into a beautiful card. Then have your card mailed to the rest of all your family members with just the click of your computer mouse. Your memories will be shared and saved for a lifetime.

Copyright (c) 2007 Priscilla Parham