It’s the day each year when we pause to remember the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. But how much do you know about the Memorial Day holiday itself? Find out with this short, easy, and fun quiz.

1. Memorial Day began as a way of honoring soldiers who died in what conflict?

A. The Revolutionary War
B. The War of 1812
C. The Civil War
D. World War I

2. The holiday was originally known by what name?

A. Remembrance Day
B. Decoration Day
C. Valor Day
D. Armistice Day

3. What flower is traditionally worn to honor fallen military personnel?

A. Rose
B. Peony
C. Daisy
D. Poppy

4. Which former military commander, and later an unsuccessful vice-presidential candidate, is credited with helping make Memorial Day a holiday?

A. Henry Knox
B. John “Black Jack” Logan
C. John “Black Jack” Pershing
D. George S. Patton

5. Since 1971, Memorial Day has been observed on the last Monday in May. But from 1868 to 1970, it was observed on what date?

A. April 12
B. May 20
C. May 30
D. Nov. 11

6. What happens to the flag on Memorial Day?

A. It is not displayed.
B. It is flown at half-staff.
C. It is at half-staff until noon then raised to full staff until sunset.
D. It is at full staff until noon then lowered to half-staff until sunset.

7. Which of the following towns has been declared the birthplace of Memorial Day?

A. Columbus, Ga.
B. Waterloo, N.Y.
C. Columbus, Miss.
D. All of the above.

8. Based on the total number of American casualties, the costliest battle in U.S. military history was:

A. The Battle of Okinawa
B. The Battle of Gettysburg
C. The Battle of the Argonne Forest
D. The Battle of Antietam

9. Several Southern states hold state holidays on different dates in the spring to remember their dead. What is that holiday called?

A. Rebel Yell Day
B. Secession Day
C. Confederate Memorial Day
D. Stonewall Jackson Day

10. At 1,045 acres, what is the country’s largest national cemetery?

A. Arlington National Cemetery
B. Calverton National Cemetery
C. Gettysburg National Cemetery
D. Andersonville National Cemetery

Answers: 1-C, 2-B, 3-D, 4-B, 5-C, 6-C, 7-D, 8-B, 9-C, 10-A

About the Author

J. Mark Powell is a novelist, former TV journalist, and diehard history buff. He wrote this for InsideSources.com.