US EditionMajority of Americans Say Memorial Day Has Lost Its Meaning, New Poll Finds
- A recent survey by Savanta revealed that just over half of Americans feel Memorial Day no longer reflects its initial significance, even as the holiday is observed each year on the final Monday of May in the United States.
- This holiday, created in 1868 to pay tribute to soldiers who died in the Civil War, was officially recognized as a federal observance in 1971.
- Memorial Day honors the more than one million American service members who lost their lives in military service, setting it apart from Veterans Day, which recognizes all veterans and active-duty personnel.
- The survey of 1,002 U.S. adults conducted May 9-10, 2025, also found that 60% associate Memorial Day with honoring the fallen and 62% believe it continues to unite diverse Americans.
- These findings suggest Memorial Day remains a solemn occasion with evolving public views, as most still seek to honor those who sacrificed their lives for national ideals.
11 Articles
11 Articles
MEMORIAL DAY: Powerful Vid Reminds Us It's About MUCH More Than Grilling On A Day Off
It’s so easy to fall into the trap of thinking about it as a long weekend. The best reset to help remind us that this is no ordinary ‘day off’ is to take a moment to remember the people who made this day necessary in the first place. The whole point of Memorial Day IS remembering those whose life’s work came to be symbolized by a single, folded American Flag. Before you rush out to the grill, hang out with some friends and family, and do any of …
Keep ‘memorial’ foremost in mind on Memorial Day
Sadly enough, many Americans unintentionally will disrespect the true meaning and purpose of today’s solemn national holiday. After all, ever since 1971 when Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be observed on the fourth Monday in May, for many, the holiday is simply the final day of a long weekend dedicated to the start of summer fun and frolic. For far too many of us, Memorial Day’s primary purpose has been corrupted. The day h…
Elegy for the Fallen: A Military Chaplain Remembers the True Meaning of Memorial Day
Enrico Aliberti Italy Photo A stone marker bearing the inscription “Their Name Liveth Forevermore” stands among the graves of fallen soldiers at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-sur-Mer, France. The cemetery overlooks Omaha Beach and honors the 9,388 American servicemembers who gave their lives during the D-Day landings and subsequent operations in World War II. COMMENTARY: Memorial Day isn’t about veterans like me — it’…
We must recognize the real purpose of Memorial Day
While our nation prepares to observe Memorial Day, let us recognize its real purpose, which is not to “celebrate” by purchasing any of what is being gaudily advertised. (As a retired Marine Corps officer, I do not know any Gold Star families who celebrate Memorial Day. Rather, they reflect and grieve.) It is a day to pause to honor those who have fallen in service to our nation. — Jerry Anderson, La Mesa
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- 50% of the sources are Center, 50% of the sources lean Right
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