Friday’s Top 10 things about Memorial Day that you might not know

Memorial Day is right around the corner. While we’re all gearing up for long weekend and summer kick-offs, it’s easy to forget the true meaning behind the holiday. As you’re connecting with your clients—restaurants, retail stores, and service businesses—take a moment to share some lesser-known facts about Memorial Day. It’s a great way to build rapport and show you’re more than just a payment processor.

From the Home office in Memorial City, Texas,

Here are this Friday’s Top 10 things about Memorial Day that you might not know (and that can spark interesting conversations):

10. It Wasn’t Always Called Memorial Day:

• Initially, it was known as “Decoration Day,” originating after the Civil War. This is a great point to bring up how holidays evolve and show that change is constant. Just like how payments are evolving.

9. The Red Poppy Connection:

• The red poppy became a symbol of remembrance after the poem “In Flanders Fields” was published during World War I. You can relate this to how small symbols, like a secure payment terminal, can represent larger concepts like trust and security.

8. Waterloo, NY, is the Official Birthplace:

• While many towns claim origin, Waterloo, New York, was officially designated the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1966. This shows the importance of official recognition, much like being a certified payment provider.

7. Not All States Recognized it Initially:

• Southern states were slow to adopt Memorial Day, as they had their own days to honor Confederate soldiers. This highlights how regional differences can impact adoption of practices, much like different payment preferences.

6. It Used to Be Celebrated on May 30th:

• The Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 moved Memorial Day to the last Monday in May to create a three-day weekend. This is a good example of how legislation can alter traditions, similar to how regulations influence payment processing.

5. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier:

• The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery is guarded 24/7, 365 days a year. This dedication is a powerful symbol of unwavering commitment, much like the support you offer your merchants.

4. Presidential Proclamations:

• Every year, the President of the United States issues a proclamation calling on Americans to observe a National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m. local time. This shows the importance of national unity and shared experiences, much like the reliability you provide.

3. Memorial Day and Decoration Day Were Not the Same For Awhile:

• For years, they were celebrated at different times, and for different reasons, by different parts of the country. This can be compared to how different payment types serve different customer bases.

2. The Civil War Roots Run Deep:

• The practice of decorating graves with flowers began as a way to honor the fallen soldiers of the Civil War. This is a powerful reminder of the holiday’s somber origin. You can relate this to how foundational security is to modern payments.

And the #1 Top 10 things about Memorial Day that you might not know (and that can spark interesting conversation is ….

1. It’s a Day of Remembrance, Not Celebration:

• While barbecues and sales are common, the core purpose of Memorial Day is to honor those who died serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It’s a day for reflection and gratitude. This reminds us that even when business is booming, we must remember the greater values that bind us together.

As you engage with your clients this Memorial Day weekend, remember that a little knowledge goes a long way. Use these facts to connect, build trust, and show that you’re a partner who understands the bigger picture.

Have a safe and reflective Memorial Day weekend!

David