The last Monday of May is Memorial
Day. It is a special holiday to honor soldiers
who have died in military service to their
country. Friends and relatives visit cemeteries
to put flags, wreaths, or flowers on the graves
of soldiers. Special Memorial Day services
are held in some cities. Politicians give
speeches and bands play patriotic music.
Memorial Day is also the start of the summer recreational season in
America. Many families have picnics or backyard barbeques. Some people
watch a car race called the Indianapolis 500. Most schools close for summer
vacation around Memorial Day. Families start planning their summer
vacations just before or after Memorial Day.