Today we"re honoring Americans who gave their lives in military service. Originally known as Decoration Day, the tradition began in the late 1860s after the American Civil War. Communities held springtime tributes by decorating the graves of fallen Union soldiers with flowers. Over time, it expanded to commemorate all US military personnel who died in wars. Locals observe the day with ceremonies and parades across the country.
Memorial Day
Today in History
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National Napping Day
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Swimming into the season
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Celebrating National Park Week, April 21-29
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Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch on the institution s 175th anniversary
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Celebrating sea otters
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Guanahacabibes National Park, Cuba
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Sea Otter Awareness Week
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Hidden beauty in Thailand
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Diwali
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Festival of British Archaeology
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International Beaver Day
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World Lion Day
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The moth wonderful time of the year
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Crown Fountain by Jume Plensa at Millennium Park in Chicago
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Installation art turns heads
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Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Winter solstice
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Málaga, Spain
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Tasmans Arch, Tasmania, Australia
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Illuminations on the Gulf of Poets
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Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada
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National Garden Week begins today
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A showcase for future fame
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Goðafoss waterfall, Iceland
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Festivus
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Fall Astronomy Week
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Groundhog Day
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Saskatchewan s spookier side
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It s Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
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Take a break! It s Labor Day!