Happy Memorial Day from Hollywood 2023: Mark, Emily pay tribute

Memorial Day is here.

Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of summer for many Americans, though the season really kicks off with the summer solstice in mid-June.

The annual holiday – which is celebrated on the last Monday in May – is a federal holiday in the United States to mourn those who have died in the line of duty in the United States military.

Since the end of the Revolutionary War, 646,596 U.S. troops have died in combat and more than 539,000 have died of other, non-combat related causes.

It used to be observed on May 30 from 1868 to 1970.

Several Hollywood stars paid tribute to the annual holiday, including Chris Pratt, Zac Efron, Cole Hauser, Reese Witherspoon and Mark Wahlberg.

Others celebrated the three-day weekend by posing in bikinis, such as Emily Ratajkowski and Jessie James Decker.

Mark Wahlberg shared a photo of an American flag honoring those in the military who had fallen. “Respect and gratitude to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice❤️ #fallenheroes #neverforget #freedomisntfree #MemorialDay.”

Yellowstone’s Cole Hauser shared images of flags.

Let us all remember the uncommon courage of all who sacrificed their own lives to protect our freedom. I’m always thinking about you. The Hauser family @sofwarriorfnd,” he wrote.

Matthew McConaughey said people should remember and respect as well as “learn from.”

Zac Efron shared, “Today let us remember the courage and sacrifice of real life heroes, those who faced challenges far beyond those shown on screen. Let’s dedicate this day and every day to honoring their sacrifice and unyielding courage. #Memorial Day.’

Denise Austin posed in a red one-piece bathing suit while standing in a mansion doorway.

“Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone!!!” she began her note.

‘Hope you all have a great time with your loved ones!! Do you have any special plans?? Share them with me in the comments..I love connecting with all of you!! Xoxo.’

Emily Ratajkowski poses in a bikini to celebrate the three-day weekend.

Reese Witherspoon wrote on her Instagram account, “Honoring all the servicemen and men who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Today and always. #Memorial Day.’

And Reese’s company Draper James posted a patriotic Instagram post while sharing an image of an American flag.

“Remembering and honoring all the brave women and men who gave their lives to protect our freedom and security. Thank you and love ❤️ #memorialday,” the actress wrote in the caption.

Flag etiquette on Memorial Day is unique, according to the Farmers Almanac.

At sunrise, flags must be raised quickly to full staff and then lowered to half staff, where they will remain until noon. See guidelines for flying the American flag.

Traditionally, on Memorial Day (USA), volunteers often place small American flags on every grave in national cemeteries. A national memorial moment will be held at 3 p.m. local time. Consider visiting a local cemetery to place flags; many organizations would be grateful to volunteers. Check with your local American Legion outpost, Daughters of the American Revolution or Boy or Girl Scouts troops.

The custom of honoring ancestors by cleaning cemeteries and decorating graves is an ancient and worldwide tradition. In early rural America, it was usually performed in the summer and was an occasion for family reunions and picnics.

The ritual of visiting family graves and memorials was never a morbid tradition. Rather, it was an annual memorial act, as well as a chance to clean and decorate family memorials.

Families often went on picnics too; cemeteries were often the only open green spaces in busy cities.

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day beginning with the American Civil War. It is believed that the tradition of honoring the dead was inspired by the way Confederate states decorated the graves of both Confederate and Union soldiers with flowers, wreaths, and flags.

Several cities and towns across the country claim to be the first to celebrate Decoration Day. On May 5, 1866, Waterloo, New York, hosted its own community-wide event that led to President Lyndon Johnson declaring the city the birthplace of Decoration Day in 1966.

Meanwhile, on May 5, 1868, inspired by the suggestion of veteran Major General John A. Logan, Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic (a fraternal organization of Union Civil War veterans), issued a General Order No. 11, designating May 30 as an annual Day of Remembrance. The idea caught on.