<p>Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed on the last Monday of May each year. It is a day of remembrance and tribute to the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.&nbsp;The day is an opportunity for Americans to reflect on the sacrifices made by members of the military and to express their patriotism and appreciation for their country. It serves as a reminder of the cost of freedom and the importance of upholding the values and ideals for which soldiers fought.</p>

<h2><strong>What is the significance of Memorial Day in US?</strong></h2>

<p>Memorial Day is dedicated to honoring and remembering the brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of their country. It serves as a time for reflection, gratitude, and remembrance of those who gave their lives in service to the nation.</p>

<h2><strong>History of Memorial Day&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The origins of Memorial Day can be traced back to the American Civil War (1861-1865), a conflict that resulted in a staggering loss of lives.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Various communities and states began holding memorial ceremonies to honour the fallen soldiers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Memorial Day is also known as Decoration Day. The first Memorial Day was observed in Columbus, Mississippi, on April 25, 1866. Women placed flowers on the graves of Confederate soldiers who lost their lives in the Shiloh conflict, a battle which was fought on April 6-7, 1862, in southwestern Tennessee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Three years after the Civil War's end, on May 5, 1868, the Grand Army of the Republic, a group of Union veterans, established Decoration Day, continuing the custom of laying flowers on soldiers' graves.</p>

<h2><strong>Observances on Memorial Day</strong></h2>

<p>The day is observed in different ways throughout the country. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials to pay respects by placing flowers or flags on the graves of fallen soldiers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Parades, memorial services, and commemorative events are also held across the nation, often involving military personnel, veterans organisations, and community groups.</p>

<h2><strong>Memorial Day&nbsp;traditions </strong></h2>

<p>In addition to honouring the fallen soldiers, Memorial Day is also associated with other customs and traditions. It marks the unofficial start of the summer season in the US, and many people take advantage of the long weekend to spend time with family and friends, enjoy outdoor activities, and participate in barbecues or picnics.</p>

<h2><strong>National Moment of Remembrance</strong></h2>

<p>In honour and recognition of fallen service members, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 11, 1950, has requested that the President issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace and designating a period on that day when the people of the United States might unite in prayer and reflection. &nbsp;</p>

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<p>Congress designated 3:00 p.m. local time as a time for all Americans to observe, in their own way, the National Moment of Remembrance. The National Moment of Remembrance is a significant aspect of Memorial Day observances. At 3:00 PM local time, people are encouraged to pause for a minute of silence to remember and honour the fallen.</p>

<p>It is important to note that while Memorial Day has a somber significance, it is distinct from Veterans Day, which is celebrated in November and honours all military veterans, living and deceased, who have served in the US Armed Forces.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate new parliament on May 28</strong></p>

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<p>In a statement earlier, US President Joe Biden proclaimed Memorial Day, May 29, 2023, as a day of prayer for permanent peace.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I urge the press, radio, television, and all other information media to cooperate in this observance. I further ask all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day," he said in a White House statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He requested the US Governors and its Commonwealths and Territories, and the appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff until noon on this Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"I encourage families, friends, and neighbours to post tributes to our fallen service members through the Veterans Legacy Memorial at vlm.cem.va.gov so that we may learn more about the lives and contributions of those buried in National, State, and Tribal veteran cemeteries. &nbsp;I also request the people of the United States to display the flag at half-staff from their homes for the customary forenoon period," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Biden said that Memorial Day will always be a day where pain and pride are mixed together.&nbsp; "To all those who are mourning the loss of a service member — including America’s Gold Star Families — we see you and grieve with you. &nbsp;And we know that on this day especially, the pain of their absence can feel overwhelming," the statement added.&nbsp;<br />
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Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed on the last Monday of May each year. It is a day of remembrance and tribute to the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed on the last Monday of May each year. It is a day of remembrance and tribute to the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The day is an opportunity for Americans to reflect on the sacrifices made by members of the military and to express their patriotism and appreciation for their country. It serves as a reminder of the cost of freedom and the importance of upholding the values and ideals for which soldiers fought. What is the significance of Memorial Day in US? Memorial Day is dedicated to honoring and remembering the brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of their country. It serves as a time for reflection, gratitude, and remembrance of those who gave their lives in service to the nation. History of Memorial Day The origins of Memorial Day can be traced back to the American Civil War (1861-1865), a conflict that resulted in a staggering loss of lives. Also Read | Night train connecting Brussels-Berlin starts operations. Push for less polluting alternatives to air travel Various communities and states began holding memorial ceremonies to honour the fallen soldiers. Memorial Day is also known as Decoration Day. The first Memorial Day was observed in Columbus, Mississippi, on April 25, 1866. Women placed flowers on the graves of Confederate soldiers who lost their lives in the Shiloh conflict, a battle which was fought on April 6-7, 1862, in southwestern Tennessee. Three years after the Civil War's end, on May 5, 1868, the Grand Army of the Republic, a group of Union veterans, established Decoration Day, continuing the custom of laying flowers on soldiers' graves. Observances on Memorial Day The day is observed in different ways throughout the country. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials to pay respects by placing flowers or flags on the graves of fallen soldiers. Parades, memorial services, and commemorative events are also held across the nation, often involving military personnel, veterans organisations, and community groups. Memorial Day traditions In addition to honouring the fallen soldiers, Memorial Day is also associated with other customs and traditions. It marks the unofficial start of the summer season in the US, and many people take advantage of the long weekend to spend time with family and friends, enjoy outdoor activities, and participate in barbecues or picnics. National Moment of Remembrance In honour and recognition of fallen service members, the Congress, by a joint resolution approved May 11, 1950, has requested that the President issue a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe each Memorial Day as a day of prayer for permanent peace and designating a period on that day when the people of the United States might unite in prayer and reflection. Also Read | Aid worker arrives in Belgium after prisoner swap with Iranian diplomat Congress designated 3:00 p.m. local time as a time for all Americans to observe, in their own way, the National Moment of Remembrance. The National Moment of Remembrance is a significant aspect of Memorial Day observances. At 3:00 PM local time, people are encouraged to pause for a minute of silence to remember and honour the fallen. It is important to note that while Memorial Day has a somber significance, it is distinct from Veterans Day, which is celebrated in November and honours all military veterans, living and deceased, who have served in the US Armed Forces. Watch | Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate new parliament on May 28 × In a statement earlier, US President Joe Biden proclaimed Memorial Day, May 29, 2023, as a day of prayer for permanent peace. "I urge the press, radio, television, and all other information media to cooperate in this observance. I further ask all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day," he said in a White House statement. He requested the US Governors and its Commonwealths and Territories, and the appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff until noon on this Memorial Day on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and in all areas under its jurisdiction and control. "I encourage families, friends, and neighbours to post tributes to our fallen service members through the Veterans Legacy Memorial at vlm.cem.va.gov so that we may learn more about the lives and contributions of those buried in National, State, and Tribal veteran cemeteries. I also request the people of the United States to display the flag at half-staff from their homes for the customary forenoon period," he added. Biden said that Memorial Day will always be a day where pain and pride are mixed together. "To all those who are mourning the loss of a service member — including America’s Gold Star Families — we see you and grieve with you. And we know that on this day especially, the pain of their absence can feel overwhelming," the statement added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

EXPLAINED: What is Memorial Day in US? Know history, significance of this federal holiday

Massive crowds gathered at beaches over Memorial Day weekend, drawing warnings from authorities on Sunday about people disregarding the coronavirus social-distancing rules

COVID-19 rules flouted on US Memorial Day

<p>US President Donald Trump said on Friday he is considering pardons for "two or three" American soldiers charged with war crimes, a move he also said would be controversial but justified because they had been treated "unfairly."</p>

<p>Trump told reporters at the White House that he has not decided yet on the cases, but may wait until the accused military servicemen stand trial before deciding whether to grant them pardons.</p>

<p>"Some of these soldiers are people that have fought hard, long. You know, we teach them how to be great fighters, and then when they fight sometime, they get really treated very unfairly," Trump said.</p>

<p>He did not identify which cases he was reviewing.</p>

<p>The New York Times on May 18 reported Trump had asked the Justice Department for paperwork on several high-profile war crimes cases in preparation for possible pardons to be announced on or around the US Memorial Day holiday honouring fallen troops. This year's holiday is to be observed on May 27.</p>

<p>One request according to the Times report was for Special Operations Chief Edward Gallagher, a decorated US Navy SEAL court-martialed on charges he fatally stabbed a helpless, wounded Islamic State fighter in his custody, and shot two unarmed civilians from a sniper's perch during his 2017 deployment to Iraq.</p>

<p>The 39-year-old combat veteran and platoon leader has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Defence lawyers say the allegations against him were fabricated by subordinate SEAL team members disgruntled with his leadership style and seeking to force his ouster.</p>

<p>Gallagher's trial was delayed this week until June 10 at the earliest. His lawyer told Reuters he had not asked for a pardon, and Gallagher declined to comment on the possibility of presidential clemency when asked by reporters in court.</p>

<p>But the prospect of Trump offering Gallagher a pardon seemed heightened by this week's appointment to his defence team of former federal prosecutor Marc Mukasey, one of Trump's personal lawyers and an associate of fellow Trump attorney Rudolph Giuliani.</p>

<p>Another associate of former New York City Mayor Giuliani, ex-New York Police Commissioner Bernie Kerik - who served three years in prison in a federal corruption case - is an investigator on Gallagher's defence team.</p>

<p>Mukasey, in an interview with Reuters on Thursday, dismissed the notion of seeking a pardon for Gallagher.</p>

<p>"I have a job to do in the courtroom. I have no clue whether anything else is going on," he said.</p>

<p>Gallagher's lead civilian attorney, Timothy Parlatore, told reporters on Wednesday following a hearing at Naval Base San Diego: "If the president decides to step in, that's what the commander does."</p>

<p>Trump first weighed in on the Gallagher case publicly in March, ordering the defendant moved to less restrictive pre-trial confinement "in honour of his past service to our country."</p>

<p>A number of conservative commentators have urged him to pardon Gallagher. Critics say it would pre-empt justice, undermine military discipline and send a message that battlefield atrocities will be tolerated.</p>

<p>The overwhelming majority of pardons are granted to people who have already been convicted and served time for a federal offence, as when Trump earlier this month pardoned former Army Lieutenant Michael Behenna, who served five years in prison for killing an Iraqi prisoner in 2008.</p>

<p>But presidents have occasionally granted pardons preemptively to individuals accused of or suspected of a crime.</p>

<p>The most famous such case was the blanket pardon President Gerald Ford bestowed on his predecessor, Richard Nixon, following Nixon's resignation during the Watergate scandal.</p>


US President Donald Trump said on Friday he is considering pardons for "two or three" American soldiers charged with war crimes, a move he also said would be controversial but justified because they had been treated "unfairly.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday he is considering pardons for "two or three" American soldiers charged with war crimes, a move he also said would be controversial but justified because they had been treated "unfairly." Trump told reporters at the White House that he has not decided yet on the cases, but may wait until the accused military servicemen stand trial before deciding whether to grant them pardons. "Some of these soldiers are people that have fought hard, long. You know, we teach them how to be great fighters, and then when they fight sometime, they get really treated very unfairly," Trump said. He did not identify which cases he was reviewing. The New York Times on May 18 reported Trump had asked the Justice Department for paperwork on several high-profile war crimes cases in preparation for possible pardons to be announced on or around the US Memorial Day holiday honouring fallen troops. This year's holiday is to be observed on May 27. One request according to the Times report was for Special Operations Chief Edward Gallagher, a decorated US Navy SEAL court-martialed on charges he fatally stabbed a helpless, wounded Islamic State fighter in his custody, and shot two unarmed civilians from a sniper's perch during his 2017 deployment to Iraq. The 39-year-old combat veteran and platoon leader has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Defence lawyers say the allegations against him were fabricated by subordinate SEAL team members disgruntled with his leadership style and seeking to force his ouster. Gallagher's trial was delayed this week until June 10 at the earliest. His lawyer told Reuters he had not asked for a pardon, and Gallagher declined to comment on the possibility of presidential clemency when asked by reporters in court. But the prospect of Trump offering Gallagher a pardon seemed heightened by this week's appointment to his defence team of former federal prosecutor Marc Mukasey, one of Trump's personal lawyers and an associate of fellow Trump attorney Rudolph Giuliani. Another associate of former New York City Mayor Giuliani, ex-New York Police Commissioner Bernie Kerik - who served three years in prison in a federal corruption case - is an investigator on Gallagher's defence team. Mukasey, in an interview with Reuters on Thursday, dismissed the notion of seeking a pardon for Gallagher. "I have a job to do in the courtroom. I have no clue whether anything else is going on," he said. Gallagher's lead civilian attorney, Timothy Parlatore, told reporters on Wednesday following a hearing at Naval Base San Diego: "If the president decides to step in, that's what the commander does." Trump first weighed in on the Gallagher case publicly in March, ordering the defendant moved to less restrictive pre-trial confinement "in honour of his past service to our country." A number of conservative commentators have urged him to pardon Gallagher. Critics say it would pre-empt justice, undermine military discipline and send a message that battlefield atrocities will be tolerated. The overwhelming majority of pardons are granted to people who have already been convicted and served time for a federal offence, as when Trump earlier this month pardoned former Army Lieutenant Michael Behenna, who served five years in prison for killing an Iraqi prisoner in 2008. But presidents have occasionally granted pardons preemptively to individuals accused of or suspected of a crime. The most famous such case was the blanket pardon President Gerald Ford bestowed on his predecessor, Richard Nixon, following Nixon's resignation during the Watergate scandal.

Trump says to consider pardons for some US soldiers accused of war crimes

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EXPLAINED: What is Memorial Day in US? Know history, significance of this federal holiday

COVID-19 rules flouted on US Memorial Day

Trump says to consider pardons for some US soldiers accused of war crimes