Kaamera/Camera. Moving pictures of Anna and Marta

Memorial Day is an American holiday that was started after the Civil War to honor dead Union troops. There is no significance to the date - the last Monday of May - but the first Memorial Day was held nationwide in 1868. The date expanded to include veterans and fallen soldiers of any war after World War I. It was actually known as Decoration Day until after the Second World War.

Americans generally celebrate this day by attending or participating in a parade, laying flowers at military cemeteries, and having a swell grilling party.

Here are some photos from this past Memorial Day -



This is my high school marching band. Many years ago I was in the front line, playing baritone horn. The outfits are scratchy and hot, and Memorial Days are typically warm. You rehearse throughout spring - it's one of the major 'gigs' you play in high school.




You are supposed to clap and jump and down and cheer on the sidelines, but most people like to just sit around and watch, perhaps cheering for a friend as they go by.




Included in the parade are youth groups, such as boy scouts and 'brownies' - girl youth groups.




Some people really like patriotic holidays. They wear red, white, and blue clothing and go out of their way to show off their feelings for their country.




Old veterans float by on the backs of flatbed trucks and in 'classic' cars.




These gentlemen have Revolutionary War-era tri-cornered hats.