HISTORY OF MEMORIAL DAY

Memorial Day, originally called 'Decoration Day', is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. It is a day for the country to come together to honor those who gave their all.

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate Soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I (when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war). It is now celebrated in almost every state on the last Monday in May to ensure a three day weekend for federal holidays.

By the end of the 19th Century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30 throughout the nation. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress. It was then also placed on the last Monday in May. Solemn ceremonies are held at cemeteries across the country. Speeches are given honoring those who gave their lives. Wreaths are laid. Taps are played.