Memorial Day

Memorial Day gives Americans the opportunity to remember and honor the men and women who died in service to the United States. This Memorial Day, USCIS pays tribute to the military personnel, both native- and foreign-born, who have given their lives for this country. 

Did you know that “Memorial Day” can be found in several places on the naturalization test? Prospective citizens may be asked to “Name two national U.S. holidays.” during the civics test. It is also one of the holidays that applicants may be asked to read or write as part of the English Test.

For Memorial Day, we want to highlight some of the resources USCIS offers for learners and teachers that are related to this important day.

Learners

USCIS has educational materials to help you learn about the United States and prepare for the naturalization process. Here are several products that refer to Memorial Day:

• 100 Civics Questions and Answers with MP3 Audio (2008 version of the civics test)
  This is the official list of civics questions and answers for the naturalization test in MP3 audio format.

• Civics Practice Test (2008 version of the civics test)
  Practice your knowledge of U.S. history and government.

• Writing Vocabulary Flash Cards (PDF, 1014.08 KB) 
  These easy-to-use flash cards contain vocabulary words to help you study for the English writing portion of the naturalization test.

• Reading Vocabulary Flash Cards (PDF, 707.59 KB) 
  These easy-to-use flash cards contain vocabulary words to help you study for the English reading portion of the naturalization test.

• Preparing for the Oath: U.S. History and Civics for Citizenship (2008 version of the civics test)
  This web resource provides online videos and activities on the 100 civics questions from the naturalization test and highlights museum objects from the Smithsonian Institution. Visit the “Symbols and Holidays” themes for information on Memorial Day.

Teachers

In addition to the products highlighted above, USCIS offers free online tools and materials for educators and volunteers. Some examples include:

• Lesson Plans and Activities
  Visit this page to find lesson plans, student handouts, and answer keys on a variety of topics, including the following three beginning level lessons that discuss Memorial Day: U.S.Wars in the 1800s, American Symbols and Celebrations, and Thanksgiving 3–Traditions.

• Famous Americans on the Civics Test (PDF, 1.15 MB)
  Downloadable 8.5" x 11" portraits and flash cards of 12 Americans highlighted on the civics test with teaching strategies for supplementing your lessons.

• Adaptable Teaching Tools (PDF, 162.84 KB)
  Activity ideas to help students practice what they learn in class.

• Guide to the Adult Citizenship Education Content Standards and Foundation Skills: A Framework for Developing a Comprehensive Curriculum (PDF, 181.92 KB)
  This guide provides content and progress standards for the Pre-Interview, Interview and Test, and Post-Interview phases of the naturalization process. It assists program administrators and teachers in developing a citizenship curriculum and thematic lessons, choosing textbooks, and creating effective learning activities.

• Preparing for the Oath: U.S. History and Civics for Citizenship
  This web resource, described above, also has a “Teachers” section with teacher guides. The guides provide strategies and handouts for each theme. For Memorial Day, be sure to visit the teacher guides on “Symbols and Holidays”.

For more information about Memorial Day, visit the U.S. Department of Labor.

Additional Themed Resources

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Presidents Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Constitution Day and Citizenship Day
• Bill of Rights Day