Memorial Day
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Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday that is observed on the last Monday of May (most recently observed May 29, 2006). It was formerly known as Decoration Day. This holiday commemorates U.S. men and women who have died in military service to their country. It began first to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War. After World War I, it expanded to include those who died in any war or military action. One of the longest standing traditions is the running of the Indianapolis 500, which has been held in conjunction with Memorial Day since 1911.

Memorial Day Articles

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Utah is a U.S. state located in the western United States. It was the 45th state admitted to the union on January 4, 1896. Approximately 80% of Utah's 2,500,000 people live in a population corridor centered on Salt Lake City, known as the Wasatch Front. In contrast, vast expanses of the state are relatively uninhabited and rural, making Utah the sixth most urbanized state.[1] The state is generally rocky with three distinct geological regions: the Rocky Mountains, the Great Basin, and the Colorado Plateau. Utah is known for its natural diversity and is home to features ranging from arid deserts with sand dunes to thriving pine forests in mountain valleys. It has a large tourism business and was host to the 2002 Winter Olympics. The ski resorts in the northern Wasatch Range, the Bonneville Salt Flats, the Great Salt Lake, the five national parks in the south, such as Arches, Zion and Bryce Canyon, and cultural attractions such as Temple Square and the Sundance Film Festival, are among the most visited. Approximately 60% of state residents are adherents of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), which represent less than 50% of the population in urban areas and over 90% in rural areas [citation needed]. The religion has historically had a strong regional influence and has contributed the state's restrictive attitude towards alcohol and gambling, while also contributing to its high birth rate (by far the highest in the nation). Before 1890, the Church's teachings of plural marriage had led to confrontation with the U.S. federal government in the Utah War. Beginning in the late 19th century with the state's mining boom, including what is now the world's largest open pit mine, companies attracted large numbers of immigrants (of diverse faiths) with job opportunities. The new immigrants often found themselves at odds with the state's LDS population. As a result, these tensions have played a large part in Utah's history (Liberal Party vs. People's Party) and continue to do so as the state further diversifies.