ASL LOVE
🤟 How to sign
To sign "Memorial Day" in American Sign Language (ASL), first sign "MEMORIAL" by placing your right hand flat over your heart, then sign "DAY" by pointing your index finger upward and making a small arc across your body from east to west.
📖 Word definition
A federal holiday in the United States observed on the last Monday of May, honoring and mourning the military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
🎯 Detailed Hand Movement Guide
- Hand Shape: Flat hand for "memorial," index finger pointing up for "day."
- Starting Position: Right hand flat against chest/heart area for "memorial."
- Movement: Hold "memorial" briefly, then transition to "day" with index finger arc.
- Path: Stationary for "memorial," then smooth arc from east to west for "day."
- Hand Orientation: Palm against chest for "memorial," finger pointing up then forward for "day."
- Facial Expression: Respectful and solemn, showing reverence for the holiday's meaning.
⚠️ Common Mistakes & What to Avoid
❌ Wrong hand placement: Place hand over heart, not just anywhere on chest.
❌ Too fast transition: Hold "memorial" briefly to show respect before signing "day."
❌ Incorrect day sign: Use proper arc motion, not just pointing up.
❌ Casual expression: Maintain respectful facial expression throughout the sign.
💬 Common Sentence Examples
"We honor veterans on Memorial Day."
How to sign: Sign "we" (point to self and others) → sign "honor" (H hands salute motion) → sign "veterans" (V hand at temple) → sign "on" → sign "Memorial Day" (hand to heart + day arc).
"Memorial Day is in May."
How to sign: Sign "Memorial Day" (hand to heart + day arc) → sign "is" (I hand forward) → sign "in" → sign "May" (M hand with slight shake).
"Families visit graves on Memorial Day."
How to sign: Sign "families" (F hands in circle) → sign "visit" (V hands alternating forward) → sign "graves" (mound shape with hands) → sign "on" → sign "Memorial Day".