Happy Memorial Day, My American Fishy Friends

[eaglesaquarium]

...and remember what this day is supposed to mean, while you are enjoying your cook-out.
 
The first Memorial Day was 'celebrated' in May 1865.  A group of former slaves spent two weeks exhuming 257 Union soldiers who died in a prison camp from a mass grave (on the site of the former Charlestown Race Course), and giving each one a proper burial.
 

Over 10,000 people were there for the May Day ceremony, and the dedication of the "Martyrs of the Race Course" cemetery.
 
 
The day later became known as 'Decoration Day'.
 
 
Remember folks:

 

[LyraGuppi]

Happy Memorial Day guys.

 

[Baccus]

And to think I had always thought Memorial Day just sort of like our Australia Day, where you celebrate everything good about the nation. But it appears Memorial Day is more in line with our ANZAC day, only Im guessing you dont have dawn services and various branches of militery marching along with clubs like Scouts, Girl Guides and Vetrens. Oh and two-up its about the only time two-up is really played now, but its a tradition that goes with ANZAC day along with mateship, yarns and drinking.
Is Memorial day a national public holiday? Like I think Thanks Giving is? Or is it up to each states disgression? In Australia we have some public holidays, same name, celebrate the samething but depending on the state held on different dates in different months, while others like ANZAC Day and Australia Day are across the board on the one same day.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

It's a national holiday, and there are multiple civic events related to it, wreath laying ceremonies, parades, etc.  
 
On a less somber note, its also the unofficial beginning of summer.
 
 
The holiday you were equating it to would be our '4th of July' - "Independence Day" celebration.  
 
 
A lot of people identify Memorial Day, Veteran's Day and Armed Forces Day as if they are remembering/celebrating the same thing... they really are quite different.  Memorial Day commemorates those who lost their lives in the service of the country, Veteran's Day celebrates those who have served in the military, and Armed Forces Day celebrates those who are currently in the military.   It is good to recognize the veterans and those currently serving, but honestly, in my experience, veterans and those currently serving would prefer that folks remain focused on the proper meaning on Memorial Day.  My grandfather (a vet of WWII) would always graciously thank anyone who thanked him on Memorial Day, but would also always point out that the heroes to be remembered on that day are the ones who weren't around to be thanked.  

 

[Baccus]

ANZAC day has pretty much always been about the ones that didnt make it home. Sure the survivors march along with descendants who may wear any awarded medals, but at every ceramony its about the fallen and remembering them.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.
LEST WE FORGET.
And then a lone piper plays the reveille.
On a pitch black (usually cold) morning the dawn service is a haunting affair, and to have 3000 people silent for a minute of respect is also an amazing feat.