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31 Definitive Historical Memorial Day Trivia and Answers

Reviewed by Stefanie Zaldarriaga, Author·Updated May 2025·4 min read

Dive into the rich history and traditions of Memorial Day with our engaging Memorial Day Trivia!

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  1. 1What was Memorial Day originally called?

  2. 2Which city is recognized as the birthplace of Memorial Day?

  3. 3When was Memorial Day first recognized?

  4. 4Which act moved Memorial Day from May 30 to the last Monday in May each year?

  5. 5When did Memorial Day become a federal holiday?

  6. 6Arlington National Cemetery was originally a plantation belonging to which historical figure?

  7. 7Who spoke at the first Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery?

  8. 8When was the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery established?

  9. 9Which poem inspired the tradition of wearing and planting poppy blossoms for Memorial Day?

  10. 10The National Moment of Remembrance takes place at what time each Memorial Day?

  11. 11Which U.S. state was the first to officially recognize Memorial Day as a public holiday?

  12. 12Who is credited with initiating the idea for Memorial Day and suggesting the date of May 30 for its observance?

  13. 13What is the significance of the red poppy flower on Memorial Day?

  14. 14Which U.S. president officially declared Waterloo, New York, as the birthplace of Memorial Day?

  15. 15What is the purpose of the "Flags In" tradition observed at Arlington National Cemetery before Memorial Day?

  16. 16Which war was primarily memorialized on the first Decoration Day?

  17. 17Which organization first promoted the wearing of red poppies on Memorial Day?

  18. 18In which year did Memorial Day become a federal holiday?

  19. 19Which U.S. president signed the National Moment of Remembrance Act into law?

  20. 20Which U.S. state observes Confederate Memorial Day as a separate holiday from Memorial Day?

  21. 21Which U.S. president signed Memorial Day into law as a federal holiday?

  22. 22Which major auto racing event is held annually on Memorial Day weekend?

  23. 23What is the name of the national cemetery in Virginia where many Memorial Day events are held?

  24. 24Which branch of the U.S. military performs the "Flags In" tradition at Arlington National Cemetery?

  25. 25What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?

  26. 26What is the significance of the American flag being flown at half-staff until noon on Memorial Day?

  27. 27What popular activity do many Americans participate in on Memorial Day to mark the unofficial start of summer?

  28. 28Which famous landmark in Washington, D.C., hosts a large Memorial Day concert each year?

  29. 29What is the custom regarding flowers and graves on Memorial Day?

  30. 30Which organization is responsible for distributing millions of red poppies across the U.S. for Memorial Day?

  31. 31What is the name of the ceremony where a wreath is placed at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on Memorial Day?

Answer Key

  1. 1. Decoration Day
  2. 2. Waterloo, New York
  3. 3. May 30, 1868
  4. 4. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act
  5. 5. 1971
  6. 6. Robert E. Lee
  7. 7. Ohio Congressman James A. Garfield
  8. 8. November 11, 1921
  9. 9. "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae
  10. 10. 3 p.m. local time
  11. 11. New York
  12. 12. General John A. Logan
  13. 13. It symbolizes remembrance and is inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields."
  14. 14. Lyndon B. Johnson
  15. 15. Placing American flags on the graves of service members buried at the cemetery.
  16. 16. The American Civil War
  17. 17. The American Legion
  18. 18. 1971
  19. 19. Bill Clinton
  20. 20. South Carolina
  21. 21. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed it into law as a federal holiday in 1968, effective from 1971.
  22. 22. The Indianapolis 500 is held every Memorial Day weekend.
  23. 23. Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia hosts significant Memorial Day events.
  24. 24. The 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, also known as "The Old Guard," performs the "Flags In" tradition.
  25. 25. Memorial Day honors those who died in military service, while Veterans Day honors all who have served in the U.S. military.
  26. 26. It honors the nation’s fallen soldiers; after noon, the flag is raised to full-staff to symbolize the living continuing the fight for freedom.
  27. 27. Many Americans hold barbecues and picnics to celebrate the unofficial start of summer.
  28. 28. The U.S. Capitol hosts the National Memorial Day Concert on its West Lawn.
  29. 29. It is customary to place flowers or flags on the graves of fallen soldiers.
  30. 30. The American Legion Auxiliary distributes red poppies nationwide.
  31. 31. The ceremony is called the National Memorial Day Wreath-Laying Ceremony.

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