History of Memorial Day
The American tradition of Memorial Day began more than 100 years ago in 1868. This was at the end of The Civil War which is often referred to as The War Between the States. It was a brutal war in which brother fought against brother and neighbor against neighbor. It was during Abraham Lincoln's presidency. It was one of the worst wars ever fought by the people of this nation, and it was fought on our own soil. After the war ended family members would visit the gravesites of their relatives and friends who had been slain in battle and decorate their graves with flowers.
General John Logan through his General Order No. 11 proclaimed May 5, 1868 a holiday. It was entitled Decoration Day and was first observed on May 30, 1868. Although the northern states celebrated this day every year the southern states celebrated a different day until sometime after World War I.
The name Decoration day was changed to Memorial Day in 1882. In 1971 it was declared a national holiday to be observed on the last Monday of May every year.
The present day celebration is similar in many ways to the original celebration. Today it is still very much about honoring America's fallen soldiers, but in addition people come together to honor their close friends or relatives who have died. People gather at places like the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia to visit and participate in memorials such as the tomb of the unknown soldier, which represents everyone who has given their life for this country. Memorial Day is deeply engrained in our culture. It is a day to celebrate, honor, and thank all the people who died to create this great country we have today.
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