Memorial Day Trivia...Ten Questions and Answers

1. What day in the month of May is Memorial Day observed? Your Answer: the last Monday On May 5, 1868, Army General John Logan was credited for starting this national holiday shortly after the American Civil War Between the States. He set it to be observed on May 30 of each year. It was not until 1971 that we began recognizing Memorial Day on the last Monday in May. 77% of players have answered correctly.

 

2. Memorial Day was once called by another name. What was the former name? Your Answer: Decoration Day At the beginning, it was called, "Decoration Day" because the purpose of it was to visit cemeteries and place flowers on graves of fallen loved ones who had died in the Civil War. In 1882, many people began calling it "Memorial Day". After World Wars I and II, it became accepted as a day to remember all of our military men and women who died, not just those from the Civil War era. A Federal law was passed in 1987 officially acknowledging the name of the holiday as "Memorial Day". Veterans' Day is observed in the month of November. 60% of players have answered correctly.

 

3. Today in America, Memorial Day has also become a time for other activities. What are some other ways in which we might celebrate this day? Your Answer: all of these Although we do not decorate graves like they once did in 1868 with flowers, America has begun using this three-day holiday for other family oriented events, such as gatherings and summer vacations. However, let us not get so caught up in all of our fun activities that we forget to take the time to remember our American heroes; after all, this is what the holiday was founded for. 94% of players have answered correctly.

 

4. What would you traditionally fly on Memorial Day? Your Answer: American flag Many Americans display the United States flag from their front porches or attached to a flagpole. Others are known to decorate their front lawns with mini flags. Most Federal businesses, such as your post office or courthouse, fly their flags at half-mast. This means the flag hangs midway between the ground and the top of the pole. It is a symbol in which we honor a death of any important person of our country, especially a political figure such as a president. Of course, we know that boats do not fly! They sail. 93% of players have answered correctly.

 

5. Many Americans treat Memorial Day as the beginning of which of the four seasons? Your Answer: summer Today Memorial Day is viewed as the beginning of our summer season. Schools are out and many people take advantage of spending some family time together. Millions of Americans visit Disney World in Orlando, Florida on this holiday too. 82% of players have answered correctly.

 

6. Memorial Day weekend has been proclaimed as being the most dangerous holiday. Which incident has deemed it to become very unsafe? Your Answer: drowning accidents The correct answer was car accidents Unfortunately, many vehicle accidents take place during this holiday weekend. Many people are traveling and due to a lot of congested traffic, accidents are unavoidable. It is always important to wear your seat belt when traveling. The State Highway Patrol began a national campaign called, "Click It or Ticket", which starts during this busy holiday season each year. Other safety-related accidents do occur and that is why it is important that we give the gift of life, our blood. Why not ask a family member to donate blood this holiday. They may help save someone's life by doing so. 66% of players have answered correctly.

 

7. Which southern state first celebrated the federal holiday of Memorial Day? Your Answer: North Carolina The correct answer was Mississippi Because of hostile resentment towards the north after the end of the war, many U.S. southern states decided not to celebrate Decoration Day in 1868. The only state to comply was Mississippi. In the small town of Columbus on April 25, 1866, the people embraced both the Union and Confederate casualties that were buried in its cemetery. This tradition is still carried on today in Mississippi; whether they wore blue or gray, they are all honored for their supreme sacrifice. 28% of players have answered correctly.

 

8. Small American flags are placed at the head of each gravestone during this holiday. In what well-known cemetery are these patriotic remembrances placed? Your Answer: Arlington National Cemetery The commemorative tradition at the famous cemetery began in the latter years of 1950. Twelve hundred of today's military soldiers place flags on over 260,000 graves the Thursday before Memorial Day. It is then guarded 24 hours a day during the Memorial Day weekend to ensure that the flags remain standing. The national cemetery is located in Arlington, Virginia across the Potomac River from our nation's capital, Washington D.C. 87% of players have answered correctly.

 

9. What northern state was the first to observe Memorial Day? Your Answer: New York The holiday officially became standard in New York in 1873. It became a symbol of growth in honoring those who gave their all by the remaining northern states by 1890. The South, with the exception of Mississippi, honored their dead on separate days until after World War I. 35% of players have answered correctly.

 

10. In which city and state is the official birthplace of Memorial Day? Your Answer: Waterloo, New York Many communities have boasted and claimed the creation of the holiday. Even the southern states have evidence that it began there. However, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a proclamation on May 26, 1966 that Waterloo, New York was the official birthplace. It was the first village to observe the sacred day on May 5, 1866 publicly and each year thereafter. There is no way to prove the origin of the holiday, but the whole human race in general contributed to the honor of our dead and that is what is important about Memorial Day. Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania is where Groundhog Day is celebrated each year on February 2. www.rootsweb.ancestry.com www.usmemorialday.org www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_Day 33% of players have answered correctly.