Memorial Day Trivia Facts Quiz!

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Memorial Day Trivia Facts Quiz! - Quiz

Memorial Day is celebrated to honor all the soldiers who have fought and died to keep our country safe and free. Celebrated on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day holds a significance for all of us. How well do you know about Memorial Day? Take this quiz and find out! All the best!


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    When was Memorial Day first observed?

    • A.

      May 30, 1868

    • B.

      May 30, 1873

    • C.

      May 5, 1873

    • D.

      May 30, 1776

    Correct Answer
    A. May 30, 1868
    Explanation
    Memorial Day was first observed on May 30, 1868. This date was chosen by General John A. Logan, who was the national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. On this day, flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery to honor their sacrifice during the American Civil War. Over time, Memorial Day has evolved to become a day to remember and honor all American military personnel who have died in service to their country.

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  • 2. 

    Memorial Day was originally called...

    • A.

      Decoration Day

    • B.

      Veteran's Day

    • C.

      Day of Remembrance

    • D.

      Red, White and Blue Day

    Correct Answer
    A. Decoration Day
    Explanation
    Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day. This name originated from the practice of decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and flags. It was first observed after the American Civil War to honor the Union soldiers who died in the war. Over time, the holiday evolved into Memorial Day and became a day to remember and honor all military personnel who have died in service to their country.

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  • 3. 

    What was the first state to officially recognize Memorial Day?

    • A.

      New York

    • B.

      Massachusetts

    • C.

      Pennsylvania

    • D.

      California

    Correct Answer
    A. New York
    Explanation
    New York was the first state to officially recognize Memorial Day. This means that New York was the first state to establish a formal recognition and observance of Memorial Day as a holiday.

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  • 4. 

    What is one of the longest standing traditions which has been held in conjunction with Memorial Day since 1911?

    • A.

      Washington DC Apple Blossom Festival

    • B.

      Arizona Rodeo Days

    • C.

      Indianapolis 500

    • D.

      The National Memorial Day Concert

    Correct Answer
    C. Indianapolis 500
    Explanation
    The Indianapolis 500 is one of the longest-standing traditions held in conjunction with Memorial Day since 1911. This annual motor race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indiana has become synonymous with Memorial Day weekend. It attracts thousands of spectators and is considered one of the most prestigious events in American auto racing. The race has a rich history and is a fitting way to honor and remember those who have served and sacrificed for their country.

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  • 5. 

    What day in May is Memorial Day celebrated?

    • A.

      Always May 31st

    • B.

      Last Monday in May

    • C.

      Last Friday in May

    • D.

      Last Sunday in May

    Correct Answer
    B. Last Monday in May
    Explanation
    Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May. This date was chosen to ensure a three-day weekend for Americans to honor and remember the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The specific date of May 31st is not always the case, as Memorial Day can fall on any date between May 25th and May 31st depending on the year.

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  • 6. 

    Who wrote the Pledge of Allegiance?

    • A.

      Francis Scott Key

    • B.

      Francis Bellamy

    • C.

      John Philip Sousa

    • D.

      Robert Stanley Weir

    Correct Answer
    B. Francis Bellamy
    Explanation
    Francis Bellamy is the correct answer because he is the one who wrote the Pledge of Allegiance. He was an American Christian socialist and Baptist minister who composed the pledge in 1892. The pledge was originally published in a children's magazine called The Youth's Companion and was intended to promote patriotism and loyalty to the United States. It has since become an important part of American culture and is recited in schools and at public events across the country.

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  • 7. 

    The largest Veteran's organization is...

    • A.

      AMVETS

    • B.

      The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

    • C.

      The American Legion

    • D.

      Retired Enlisted Association (TREA)

    Correct Answer
    C. The American Legion
    Explanation
    The American Legion is the largest Veterans organization because it has the highest membership numbers and the widest reach across the United States. It was founded in 1919 and has since grown to include over 2 million members. The American Legion is known for its advocacy work on behalf of Veterans, its support for Veterans' families, and its community service initiatives. It also provides various benefits and programs for Veterans, such as job placement assistance, educational scholarships, and health care support.

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  • 8. 

    Which is the oldest US Military academy?

    • A.

      US Naval Academy - Annapolis, Maryland

    • B.

      US Air Force Academy - Kings Point, New York

    • C.

      US Military Academy - West Point, New York

    • D.

      US Merchant Marine Academy - New London, Connecticut

    Correct Answer
    C. US Military Academy - West Point, New York
    Explanation
    The US Military Academy, also known as West Point, is the oldest US Military academy. It was established in 1802 and is located in West Point, New York. It has a long history of training and educating officers for the United States Army. The other options listed are also military academies, but they were established after West Point.

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  • 9. 

    The term "GI Joe" term for...?  

    • A.

      Government Issued

    • B.

      A Real American Hero

    • C.

      Gun Issued

    • D.

      An Action Figure

    Correct Answer
    A. Government Issued
    Explanation
    The term "GI Joe" is a nickname for a Government Issued action figure. This term originated from the military acronym "GI" which stands for "Government Issue." The term "GI Joe" became popularized in the 1960s when a line of action figures representing American soldiers was released, and they were referred to as "GI Joes." These action figures were seen as patriotic symbols and were marketed as "A Real American Hero." The term "GI Joe" has since become synonymous with military action figures.

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  • 10. 

    The design for the Vietnam Memorial came from a contest that was open to the general public. The winner was a 21 year old Asian-American architectural student, Maya Ying Lin. What was the prize money for submitting the winning design?

    • A.

      100,000

    • B.

      10,000

    • C.

      20,000

    • D.

      15,000

    Correct Answer
    C. 20,000
    Explanation
    The prize money for submitting the winning design of the Vietnam Memorial was $20,000.

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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Oct 11, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • May 18, 2010
    Quiz Created by
    Meritain
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