Memorial Day is a
United States federal holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May (observed this year on
2007-
05-28). It was formerly known as
Decoration Day. This holiday commemorates U.S. men and women who have died in
military service to their country. It began first to honor
Union soldiers who died during the
American Civil War. After
World War I, it expanded to include those who died in any war or military action. One of the longest standing traditions is the running of the
Indianapolis 500, which has been held in conjunction with Memorial Day since 1911.