Talking Southern – Yankee Memorial Day

The term “Yankee Memorial Day” was used to differentiate a holiday celebrated in the South that was once known as Decoration Day. This day, dedicated to decorating veterans’ graves with flowers and American flags, was eventually renamed “Memorial Day” nationally in the early 1970s. The term “Yankee Memorial Day” was still used by some older individuals, like Mrs. W. W. Howell, to describe the holiday in 1989. However, as time passed, the term fell out of use. Despite the various names used, Memorial Day serves as a time to remember and honor those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s freedom.