The History of Memorial Day Weekend

The last Monday of May is always an important day for Americans. It’s when we all come together to remember all of the men and women who died serving in the US military.

Today, many of us observe Memorial Day by sharing it with family or getting out into the backcountry. But Memorial Day wasn’t always that way. Here’s a look at the origins of Memorial Day. We’ll also check out some of the most famous rifles that American troops were using during the Vietnam War, when the US first officially recognized Memorial Day.

History of Memorial Day

Memorial Day can trace its roots back to the American Civil War. Both Union and Confederate veterans began to observe a variety of different local holidays to honor their fallen comrades. One of these early Memorial Days occurred when civilians and veterans alike came out to pay their respects to Abraham Linoln after his assassination. The first instance of an actual “Memorial Day,” known as “Decoration Day,” occurred on May 30, 1868.

After the World Wars, the various proto-Memorial Days were expanded to include veterans of all wars, not just the Civil War. In 1971, during the Vietnam War, Congress decreed that the last Monday of May would mark Memorial Day, and it’s been that way ever since.

Most Famous Fighting Rifles of Vietnam War

When Congress declared that the last Monday in May would be the national date for Memorial Day, the country was in the midst of the Vietnam War. Here’s a look at some of the rifles that soldiers were using on the ground at the time.

M14

When US forces first deployed to Vietnam, they were equipped with M14 rifles. Adopted by the military in 1957, the M14 was a refinement of the M1 Garand. In fact, the rifle was designed by John Garand, the same gunsmith that built the M1.

The M14 proved ill-suited to jungle warfare, though. For one, it was a heavy gun that used heavy ammo (the 7.62x51 / 308 cartridge). This meant that soldiers couldn’t carry much ammo into combat. The gun also had a 22-inch barrel – much too long for close-quarters jungle combat.

As a result, the military searched for a replacement. That’s what led them to our next rifle.

M16

Adopted by the military in 1964, the M16 was a quantum leap in firearms technology. It was the brainchild of Eugene Stoner, a World War II veteran who had learned gunsmithing as a mechanic for airplane guns.

The military’s replacement for the M14 couldn’t have been any more different than its predecessor. Where the M14 was an old-school rifle – chambered in a large caliber, bedded in a wood stock, and driven by a tried-and-true piston system – the M16 was totally different. It was a truly modern rifle: built with aluminum and polymer, chambered in an intermediate cartridge, and using a new direct impingement action.

The M16 had flaws of its own, though. Throughout the Vietnam War, soldiers complained that the gun was prone to malfunctions. As a result, many infantrymen preferred to stick with their old M14 rifles.

AK-47

Ironically, although the AK-47 was fielded by their enemies, American forces sometimes used captured rifles themselves. This practice wasn’t widespread, though, and was mainly restricted to special forces units like Navy SEALS and the elite MACV (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam) operators.

Although the AK-47 wasn’t as mechanically advanced as the M16, it performed better under the heat and humidity of jungle conditions. Chambered in the large, slow-moving 7.62x39 cartridge, it also packed more of a punch than the fast-moving 5.56x45 used by the M16. What’s more, the AK’s short barrel – only 16 inches – made it more maneuverable through heavy foliage.

These factors led to the AK-47 being used by soldiers on both sides of the conflict.

M1911A1

Soldiers in the Vietnam War used more than just rifles in combat. They were also equipped with the iconic M1911 pistol.

The 1911 first made its debut in the First World War, and it was an instant hit. The firearm’s reliable design, along with the heavy .45 ACP cartridge it used, made it a favorite to soldiers who used it.

Famously, the 1911 was particularly effective when soldiers needed to clear out North Vietnamese tunnel systems. Solitary soldiers armed with only a 1911 and a flashlight would descend into these labyrinths searching for enemies, supplies, and intelligence. These “Tunnel Rats” were widely regarded to have one of the most dangerous jobs of the war.

Have a Blast on Memorial Day 2024

Do you want to experience a similar sensation to a Vietnam War veteran firing their rifle? While the M16 may be strictly a military issue rifle, shooting an AR-15 is a great alternative. Use an AR-15 with a 20-inch barrel firing 5.56x45 to really channel the same weapon.

If you’re like us at Southern Defense, you love celebrating Memorial Day with a trip to the shooting range. That trip isn’t going to be very fun without any ammo, though. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered. Check out our full selection of handgun, shotgun, and rifle ammo to stock up for Memorial Day!