Decoration Day and Memorial Day: Grave Visiting Traditions

Late spring is the busiest season for grave visits in the US. Two traditions overlap: Memorial Day and Decoration Day.

From Decoration Day to Memorial Day

After the American Civil War, communities set aside a day to decorate soldiers' graves with flowers — "Decoration Day". Over time it became Memorial Day, a federal holiday on the last Monday in May honouring those who died in military service.

Family Decoration Days

In many communities — especially in Appalachia and the South — families still hold their own Decoration Days, cleaning and decorating family graves, often with a church service and shared meal.

Preparing the grave

1. Clean the headstone gently — see how to clean a headstone.
2. Check the stone is level — see leaning headstones.
3. Bring fresh flowers in a proper vase.
4. Small flags on veterans' graves (check cemetery rules).

Timing a new headstone

Spring is peak installation season. Order well ahead if you want a new stone in place before Memorial Day — see ordering timeline.

Key Takeaways

• Memorial Day grew from post-Civil War Decoration Day.
• Family Decoration Days continue in many communities.
• Order early for a new stone before late May.

Next Step

Read why coins are left on military graves.