Memorial Day

HONORING ALL THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED AND DIED

"Who is Memorial Day for? It's for all of us. It's for all Americans to remember we enjoy our many freedoms because of a brave few who dedicated their lives to this country and who died much too soon from wounds seen and unseen." ~ Bonnie Carroll, TAPS President and Founder

As the leading national nonprofit providing comfort and care for the families of America’s fallen heroes, TAPS honors those who have served and sacrificed on Memorial Day and every day. We are connected by a common thread, and we are part of a larger American legacy of grief and loss. On Memorial Day, we honor the holiday as a day of reverence and remembrance, shining a light on all who have served and died. On this page we have put together some resources, stories and military related observance events happening in the month of May to help you spread awareness about TAPS and the significance of Memorial Day.

What is Memorial Day?


Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed on the last Monday of May. It is a national day of remembrance for honoring all who served in the military and died; whether in combat, line of duty, illness, or wounds seen and unseen. The day offers a chance to reflect on the unique lives of these heroes and their ethos of selfless service.

Every day is Memorial Day for the families of our nation’s fallen heroes. TAPS cares for all those grieving the loss of a military loved one.

When did the holiday begin and why is it in May?


The holiday has its roots in the American Civil War with many communities holding memorial tributes to the war dead and decorating graves of fallen troops. It was first celebrated on a national scale in May 1868 and called Decoration Day. The time of year was chosen because it wasn't the anniversary of any particular battle and flowers would be blooming for use in decorating graves. The term "Memorial Day'' became commonly used throughout the 20th century and by act of Congress made it the official federal holiday name in 1967.

TAPS offers comfort and support to surviving families of military loss, including advocating for improvements to Federal Programs and services, along with advancing policy and legislation to strengthen the families of America’s fallen heroes.

How is Memorial Day different from Veterans Day and Armed Forces Day?


Veterans Day recognizes all who have served in the military. Many veterans organizations lobbied in the 1950s to reconstitute the Armistice Day holiday as Veterans Day. It shifted focus greatly then from memorial observances of deceased war veterans to more opportunities for recognizing our living veterans while they are still with us.

Armed Forces Day celebrates all the military branches and those currently serving in them. It could be thought of as the ultimate joint birthday party. In lieu of celebrating several individual service days, President Truman and other senior leaders decided on a single day to herald the strength and legacy of our joint defense force.

How can I properly show or express my appreciation for military surviving families?


You are never going to startle someone with the reminder that someone they love died. People simply don’t forget those they have loved. A wonderful way you can show your appreciation to families of the fallen is by recognizing their hero, even while dead, is still: their spouse, their parent, or their child. Death ended a life, not a relationship. So, say their name. Talk about them. Memorial Day is not about avoidance. Memorial Day is about remembrance. And every day is Memorial Day to families of the fallen.

At TAPS, we honor and remember those lost and support the families they left behind each and every day - no matter the relationship to the hero or how that hero died. We honor their life and service, and are committed to supporting their loved ones. Learn more about TAPS and ways you can support our nation’s military surviving families.