On Memorial Day, 2008, 36% of Americans report knowing a relative or close friend who has given their life while serving in the U.S. military. Thirty-seven percent (37%) report knowing someone serving in Iraq at this time.

Older Americans are more likely to have known someone who gave their life while younger adults are more likely to know someone currently serving in Iraq. In fact, 50% of those aged 18-29 know someone serving in that troubled country at this time.

Forty-eight percent (48%) will do something special on Memorial Day to honor those who have given their life for our country. Thirty-one percent (31%) will not.

Forty-three percent (43%) of Americans say that Memorial Day is one of the nation’s most important holidays. Just 5% consider it one of the least important. Half (51%) say it falls between those extremes.

Seventy-five percent (75%) of Americans say they have a favorable opinion of the U.S. military. Just 12% have an unfavorable view.

Memorial Day was first officially celebrated on May 30, 1868 to honor those who died in the Civil War. Due to the divisions that remained in the nation at that time, Southern States did not celebrate the holiday until after World War I. Following that "War to end all wars", the observance was changed to recognize soldiers who had given their life in any war.

In 1971, Congress established the last Monday in May as Memorial Day to ensure a three-day weekend. This may have played a role in changing the focus of the holiday from honoring fallen servicemen and women to becoming the "unofficial beginning of summer."

Sixty-six percent (66%) of Americans view Memorial Day—unofficially—as the beginning of summer.

Fifty percent (50%) will have a cookout with family and friends, 24% will participate in a parade, and 20% will attend a memorial service.

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