SOS reminds citizens about flag etiquette

ST. PAUL - Secretary of State Mark Ritchie released a public service announcement Monday asking Minnesotans to display the American flag on Memorial Day to honor military heroes who gave their lives serving the country.

Memorial Day, a day that is about coming together to honor those who have died serving in uniform, was first observed on a national basis on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

Congress made Memorial Day a national holiday in the National Holiday Act of 1971. Memorial Day is now observed across the nation on the last Monday in May.