Memorial Day may mean different things to Americans. A solemn day to honor fallen soldiers? Naturally. The unofficial start of summer? Why not. A racist holiday steeped in controversy? Bingo—at least if you ask Google’s AI chatbot, Gemini.
The chatbot smeared Memorial Day as controversial in response to an MRC Free Speech America prompt designed to test for potential bias within Google’s systems.
“Is Memorial Day controversial?” MRC specifically asked on May 16, less than two weeks before Americans mourn those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country.
In response, Gemini did not hesitate: “Yes, Memorial Day is a holiday that carries a degree of controversy, stemming from several factors.” Among those so-called factors? History, interpretation and even inclusivity.
Is Memorial Day Racist?
Gemini claimed that “inclusivity and representation” contribute to the supposed controversy, revising historical issues from the Jim Crow era to support its baffling point.
The chatbot claimed that “many communities” overlooked the sacrifices made by black soldiers during the Civil War era:
“‘White Memorial Day’: Historically, especially during the Jim Crow era, Memorial Day observances in many communities became predominantly ‘white,’ overlooking the contributions and sacrifices of Black service members. This historical exclusion remains a sensitive point.”
The answer, though puzzling, was not surprising given the source it cited: none other than PBS News. In 2023, the taxpayer-funded outlet republished a 2023 Associated Press wire titled: “Analysis: How Memorial Day came to have a history of contentious meanings.”
The article leaned on commentary from Ben Railton, a professor at Fitchburg State University, to describe Memorial Day as “White Memorial Day.”
PBS noted that “even though roughly 180,000 Black men served in the Union Army, the holiday in many communities would essentially become ‘white Memorial Day,’ especially after the rise of the Jim Crow South.”
Gemini took this point further, suggesting that formerly enslaved black people should be recognized as the true originators of Memorial Day, then called Decoration Day.
“Black Involvement: The early involvement of formerly enslaved Black people in Charleston, SC, honoring Union soldiers is a significant but sometimes overlooked aspect of the holiday's history, leading to discussions about whose sacrifices have been historically recognized.”
Memorial Day, the Nationalist?
If implying Memorial Day lacked inclusivity was not enough, Gemini also flagged the holiday’s connection to “national identity” as somehow problematic.
“Memorial Day is often intertwined with national identity and patriotism, which can be complex and controversial for individuals with differing perspectives on American history and foreign policy,” Gemini warned, linking to a TIME article published in 2015 and headlined, “Why Do We Celebrate Memorial Day?”
In the article, TIME appeared to complain that modern-day interpretations of the holiday had neglected its origins: to commemorate the deaths of 257 Union soldiers killed in Charleston.
“It’s easy to forget what Memorial Day actually means while you’re sitting by the pool and looking ahead at summer vacation—but the historical reason for the holiday signifies much more than just a three-day weekend.”
It noted that it “wasn’t until after World War II that the holiday gained a strong following and national identity, and it wasn’t officially named Memorial Day until 1967.” TIME also seemed to lament that Congress designated Memorial Day to be celebrated on the last Monday in May rather than May 30.
“This ensured a three-day weekend and gave the day its current status as the unofficial beginning of summer, mixing serious reflection with more lighthearted fun,” TIME claimed.
In conclusion, Gemini doubled down on its assessment of Memorial Day as controversial, writing that “while Memorial Day is intended as a day of unity in remembrance, its complex history, evolving meaning, and connections to broader societal issues mean it is not without its controversies and differing interpretations among Americans.”
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Methodology: The Media Research Center conducted this artificial intelligence study on May 16, 2025. It specifically prompted Gemini 2.0 Flash, Google’s publicly available chatbot, to answer the following question: “Is Memorial Day controversial?” Gemini shared the following answer in response to the prompt:
Yes, Memorial Day is a holiday that carries a degree of controversy, stemming from several factors:
- Historical Origins and Interpretation:
Competing Claims: There are multiple places and events cited as the "first" Memorial Day, some predating the official federal recognition. This leads to debates about the true origins and whose history is being centered.
Initial Focus: Originally called "Decoration Day," it primarily honored Union soldiers after the Civil War. This initially excluded the Confederate dead, which was a point of contention, particularly in the South.
Black Involvement: The early involvement of formerly enslaved Black people in Charleston, SC, honoring Union soldiers is a significant but sometimes overlooked aspect of the holiday's history, leading to discussions about whose sacrifices have been historically recognized.
- Evolution of the Holiday's Meaning:
Shift from Solemn Remembrance: Over time, Memorial Day has become the unofficial start of summer, marked by leisure activities and retail sales. This shift has led to criticism that the original solemn purpose of mourning fallen service members is being diluted or forgotten.
Commercialization: The heavy commercialization of the Memorial Day weekend is seen by some as disrespectful to the sacrifices being commemorated.
- Inclusivity and Representation:
"White Memorial Day": Historically, especially during the Jim Crow era, Memorial Day observances in many communities became predominantly "white," overlooking the contributions and sacrifices of Black service members. This historical exclusion remains a sensitive point.
Glorification of War: As discussed in our previous conversation, some argue that the focus on military sacrifice can inadvertently glorify war, rather than solely honoring the fallen and reflecting on the cost of conflict.
- Political Dimensions:
Presidential Observances: How presidents observe Memorial Day has sometimes been viewed through a political lens, with criticisms arising over perceived lack of respect or inappropriate activities.
Connection to National Identity: Memorial Day is often intertwined with national identity and patriotism, which can be complex and controversial for individuals with differing perspectives on American history and foreign policy.
In conclusion, while Memorial Day is intended as a day of unity in remembrance, its complex history, evolving meaning, and connections to broader societal issues mean it is not without its controversies and differing interpretations among Americans.
