How Americans Celebrate Memorial Day

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It’s the unofficial start of summer and the start barbecue season, but Memorial Day is more than just a day off. It’s a day to honor the men and women who have died in service of their country.

Memorial Day officially became a federal holiday in 1967, though various towns throughout the United States laid claims to being the birthplace of the holiday as early as 1861. In 1971, the holiday moved from its traditional date of May 30 to the last Monday in May, creating the three-day unofficial start to summer.

While some criticized moving the holiday to a Monday created a “shopping holiday” and cheapening the meaning of Memorial Day, Washington State University economics professor Jill McCluskey disagreed.

“Businesses will use any excuse to advertise a sale and get more customers in the door,” she said. “I don’t think this takes away from observing Memorial Day.”

Memorial Day is about remembering our fallen soldiers, but it’s also a day to celebrate the freedom that they died to protect, one expert said.

“(The) best way to honor our fallen countrymen (is) to relax and spend the time with your family,” said Diane M. Phillips, associate professor of marketing at Saint Joseph’s University. “Also, help one another out, especially in times of need.”

In honor of all the service men and women who fought and paid the ultimate price for our freedom, the financial-advice website, WalletHub, created an infographic with fun facts about Memorial Day.

Did you know that:

• 62 percent of Americans barbecue each Memorial Day week?
• 39 percent take a trip somewhere?
• 1.5 million will watch a Memorial Day parade on television?

Check out the infographics below:

Source: WalletHub