Memorial Day: Who are we commemorating this May 29 and why?

The last Monday of May is Memorial Day, an annual date to commemorate and honor all those who have died in combat or during military service.

It originally honored the 620,000 soldiers who lost their lives in the Civil War that ended in 1865. But after the end of World War I, this changed and it was decided to commemorate all the brave men who died serving their country.

However, it was not until 1971 that Congress officially declared it a national holiday, deciding that Memorial Day would be celebrated on the last Monday of May each year.

How is it celebrated?

Annually the president or vice president of the United States usually gives a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, to honor the memory of soldiers who died fighting.

From dawn to noon, the nation's flag is at half-staff, and in the afternoon hours, Americans are encouraged to take a moment of silence for those who have fallen in service.

Many citizens also head to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, where some 260,000 graves have been decorated with flags to honor the 651,031 troops who died in battle between 1775 and 1991.

However, many Americans do not focus on honoring the fallen but instead celebrate the holiday with barbecues or travel as this day is considered the unofficial start of summer.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) forecasts that during this year's holiday weekend, more than 42 million citizens will travel, including air, cruise, bus, train and automobile travelers.