In this the third of our seven part series focusing on the American Holiday Calendar, host Bryan Le Beau and guest Matthew Dennis trace the history of Memorial Day, offering insight into the significance both past and present of the holiday.

Matthew Dennis is professor of history at the University of Oregon, and author of "Red, White and Blue Letter Days: An American Calendar."

Upcoming shows will feature similar explorations of Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Thanksgiving, Martin Luther King Day and President's Day.

Timing and Cues