Every year in the United States, Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. While many associate it with the beginning of summer and a long weekend, the true meaning of Memorial Day is much deeper. It is a day to honor and remember the men and women of the U.S. military who lost their lives while serving their country.
The history of Memorial Day dates back to the aftermath of the Civil War. Originally known as “Decoration Day,” it began in the late 1860s as a time for Americans to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. In 1971, Memorial Day was officially recognized as a federal holiday and moved to the last Monday in May. Today, Americans commemorate the day by visiting cemeteries and memorials, participating in parades, and holding moments of silence at 3:00 p.m. local time to remember the sacrifices of those who served.
Memorial Day celebrations also include community events, family barbecues, and patriotic displays such as American flags and red, white, and blue decorations. It’s a day when people come together to reflect on freedom and remember the price paid for it. For ESL students living in the U.S., understanding holidays like Memorial Day is an important part of learning not just the language, but also the culture and history of America.
At American English Language School, we are proud to help international students succeed through our comprehensive ESL program. Located in Los Angeles and Orange County, we provide small ESL class sizes (maximum of 8 students) to give each learner more speaking time and individualized attention. We offer a wide range of English classes, including TOEFL preparation, U.S. citizenship classes, and English conversation classes. Our school accepts students with F-1 visas, transfer students, and individuals who want to change their visa status to an F-1 student visa.
If you are searching for an English language school in Orange County or Los Angeles, our ESL classes are designed to help you improve your English quickly and confidently. Whether you're preparing for a test, becoming a U.S. citizen, or just improving your everyday English, American English Language School is here to help you reach your goals.
Published on May 24, 2025
American English Language School (AELS) is a CEA-accredited and SEVP-approved English language school authorized to issue I-20 forms for international students.
Located in Los Angeles, Orange County (Fullerton), and Irvine, California, AELS offers small classes, conversation-focused lessons, and proven results through individualized learning experiences.
If you’re serious about improving your English, join AELS today!