Memorial Day is a time for honoring the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces. But how much do you really know about this significant holiday and its history? From its origins to modern-day traditions, there’s a lot to learn and remember. That’s where our Memorial Day trivia questions and answers come in handy!
Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day began after the Civil War as a way to honor fallen soldiers. Over time, it evolved into a national holiday observed on the last Monday of May, a day marked by ceremonies, parades, and moments of remembrance. Whether you’re planning a Memorial Day barbecue or attending a local parade, you can impress your friends and family with these fascinating Memorial Day trivia questions.
Ready to test your knowledge? Dive into our Memorial Day quiz and see how much you know about this important day in American history. And if you’re looking for more ways to challenge yourself, check out our quizzes on U.S. history, Fourth of July trivia, and military trivia. Let’s honor the past and celebrate the present together.
What flower has become a symbol of Memorial Day?
Tulip
Lilac
Poppy
Rose
What is the title of Spike Lee’s film about four veterans who return to Vietnam looking for the remains of their squad leader?
Hacksaw Ridge
Da 5 Bloods
A Bridge Too Far
The Messenger
The first unknown soldier laid to rest at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is from which war?
Vietnam War
Civil War
World War I
Gulf War
Which act moved Memorial Day from its traditional date of May 30 to the last Monday in May each year?
The Memorial Day Adjustment Act
The Uniform Monday Holiday Act
The National Holiday Reformation Act
The Federal Holiday Act
Which of these films is about a former NFL player turned soldier killed in Afghanistan?
The Tillman Story
Saving Private Ryan
Full Metal Jacket
We Were Soldiers
Who was the Kennedy that was killed in action during World War II?
Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr.
Frank Kennedy
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
John Kennedy, Jr.
The Tom Cruise movie “Born of the Fourth of July” is the true story of what Marine?
Ron Kovic
Adrian Cronauer
Sergeant Hartman
Dan Taylor
What was Memorial Day originally called?
Decoration Day
Arbor Day
Armistice Day
Soldier’s Day
The movie “Black Hawk Down” takes place in what country?
Haiti
Afghanistan
Somalia
Iran
Who is the author of the book about the 101st Airborne Division titled “Band of Brothers”?
David Finkel
Stephen E. Ambrose
Tim O’Brien
Barbara W. Tuchman
Whose father and grandfather were four-star admirals?
Al Gore
John McCain
Lindsey Graham
Michael Moore
The names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial are listed in chronological order by the date of their casualty beginning in what year?
1950
1962
1969
1959
Memorial Day was officially recognized as a federal holiday in what year?
1966
1971
1944
1955
What time of day is the National Moment of Remembrance on Memorial Day?
7 AM Local Time
11 PM Local Time
3 PM Local Time
Noon Local Time
On Memorial Day, how should the US flag be flown?
Half Staff For 48 Hours
Half-staff Sunrise Until Noon
Should Not Be Flown
Half Staff For One Hour
What is Bruce Springsteen’s song about the troubled return home of a Vietnam veteran?
Born In the USA
Atlantic City
Jungleland
Land of Hope and Dreams
Who wrote, “A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom”?
Daniel Webster
Colin Powell
Robert A. Heinlein
Bob Dylan
What US president signed a law awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers?
George W. Bush
Bill Clinton
Barack Obama
Ronald Reagan
How many American troops served in Vietnam during the Vietnam War?
6.1 Million
11.7 Million
700,000
2.7 Million
Which country star performed at the 2023 National Memorial Day Concert?
Ashley Judd
Steve Earle
Garth Brooks
Jo Dee Messina
During the Korean War, how many Americans died from June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953?
1,112
54
54,246
334,246
What is the annual motorcycle run and gathering on Memorial Day in Washington, DC?
Rolling Rockers
Thunder Bold
Vets On Wheels
Rolling Thunder
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