Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, is a federal holiday observed in the United States on the last Monday of May each year. It is a time to honor and remember the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military. But what was Memorial Day first called, and how did it come to be the holiday we know today?
The tradition of Memorial Day dates back to the years following the Civil War, a time when the nation was deeply divided and in need of healing. Originally called Decoration Day, the occasion was first marked three years after the end of the Civil War. On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan, the leader of a Union veterans' organization, called for a nationwide day of remembrance for the soldiers who had lost their lives in the conflict.
The first official observance of Decoration Day took place at Arlington National Cemetery, where both Union and Confederate soldiers were buried. Volunteers decorated the graves with flowers and held ceremonies to honor the fallen. Over time, the holiday came to be known as Memorial Day, and its observance spread to other parts of the country.
Memorial Day became an official federal holiday in 1971, when Congress passed the National Holiday Act. The law established Memorial Day as a day to remember and honor all men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military. It also designated the last Monday in May as the official date for the holiday, creating a three-day weekend for Americans to honor the fallen.
Today, Memorial Day is often associated with barbecues, picnics, and the unofficial start of summer. However, it is important to remember the true meaning of the holiday and take time to reflect on the sacrifices of those who have served and died for their country. Veterans Day, which is held every year on Nov. 11, is a celebration of all U.S. veterans, both living and deceased.
In recent years, there has been a movement to reclaim the original spirit of Memorial Day and focus on its significance as a day of remembrance for the nation's fallen service members. Events such as the National Memorial Day Concert in Washington, D.C., and the National Moment of Remembrance encourage Americans to pause and reflect on the sacrifices of those who have given their lives in service to their country.
Memorial Day has a rich history that dates back to the aftermath of the Civil War. Originally called Decoration Day, the holiday has evolved over time to become a day of remembrance for all U.S. service members who have died in the line of duty. It is a time to honor their sacrifice and reflect on the true meaning of freedom and democracy.
