Memorial Day is known to be an important event that is observed in the United States. It is a Federal Holiday and is important for millions of Americans as it honours the fallen soldiers of the military.
Memorial Day is observed every year on the last Monday of May and people across the country attend ceremonies and pay tribute to the fallen soldiers.
In the honour of Memorial Day, we bring you a quiz that is designed to help increase your knowledge about the event as well as the values that it represents.
READ| What are the Differences Between Memorial, Veteran Day and Armed Forces Day?
1. When is Memorial Day observed in the United States?
A) July 4
B) Last Sunday of June
C) Last Monday of May
D) First Monday of September
Ans: C) Last Monday of May
Explanation: Memorial Day was changed to be observed on the last Monday of May. This is because it creates a three day weekend for Americans also known as Memorial Day weekend.
2. What was the original name of Memorial Day?
A) Decoration Day
B) Veterans Day
C) Patriot’s Day
D) Soldier’s Day
Ans: A) Decoration Day
Explanation: Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day because people decorated the fallen soldiers with flowers and flags after the Civil War.
3. Which flower is often used as a symbol of Memorial Day?
A) Rose
B) Sunflower
C) Tulip
D) Poppy
Ans: D) Poppy
Explanation: The red poppy became a symbol of remembrance after World War I, inspired by the famous poem In Flanders Fields.
4. Which poem inspired the tradition of planting poppy blossoms on Memorial Day?
A) "O Captain! My Captain!" by Walt Whitman
B) "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae
C) "The Charge of the Light Brigade" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson
D) "Dulce et Decorum Est" by Wilfred Owen
Ans: B) "In Flanders Fields" by John McCrae
Explanation: "In Flanders Fields" is a heartfelt poem written during World War I by Canadian physician Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. The poem vividly describes the poppy flowers growing among the fallen soldiers on the battlefields of Flanders.
5. Which war led to the first wide observance of Memorial Day?
A) World War I
B) Vietnam War
C) Korean War
D) Civil War
Ans: D) Civil War
Explanation: After the Civil War, communities began holding ceremonies to honor Union and Confederate soldiers.
6. What is the National Moment of Remembrance?
A) A speech by the President
B) A time to raise the flag
C) A minute of silence at 3 PM
D) A fireworks show
Ans: C) A minute of silence at 3 PM
Explanation: At 3 PM local time on Memorial Day, Americans are encouraged to pause for one minute to remember those who died in military service.
7. What do many Americans do on Memorial Day?
A) Go to work as usual
B) Hold political rallies
C) Celebrate Halloween
D) Visit cemeteries and memorials
Ans: D) Visit cemeteries and memorials
Explanation: Many people visit the graves of soldiers, attend parades, or participate in ceremonies to honor the fallen.
8. Which famous site holds a special ceremony on Memorial Day?
A) The White House Lawn
B) Arlington National Cemetery
C) Times Square
D) Mount Rushmore
Ans: B) Arlington National Cemetery
Explanation: Every year, a national ceremony is held at Arlington, where the President or Vice President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
9. Who sewed the first American flag?
A) Martha Washington
B) Betsy Ross
C) Abigail Adams
D) Paul Revere
Ans: B) Betsy Ross
Explanation: Betsy Ross is widely known for sewing the first American flag
10. When was the first Memorial Day observed?
a) May 30, 1865
b) May 5, 1866
c) May 30, 1868
d) May 26, 1873
Answer: c) May 30, 1868
Explanation: The first widespread observance of what was then called "Decoration Day" occurred on May 30, 1868.
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