The History of Memorial Day: A Time of Remembrance

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is a federal holiday in the United States dedicated to honoring and mourning the military personnel who have died in the performance of their military duties. The holiday, which is currently observed every year on the last Monday of May, was formerly known as Decoration Day and originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War.

Origins of Memorial Day

The origins of Memorial Day are a subject of historical debate. It is widely believed that the holiday began with a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, where 5,000 participants decorated the graves of 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers on May 30, 1868. However, several towns and cities across the United States claim to have been the birthplace of Memorial Day, including Waterloo, New York, which was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon B. Johnson in May 1966.

Decoration Day

The holiday was originally known as Decoration Day. The term originated from the tradition of decorating the graves of soldiers with flowers, wreaths, and flags. The name "Memorial Day" was first used in 1882, but did not become more common until after World War II, and was not declared the official name by federal law until 1967.

The Uniform Monday Holiday Act

In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved four holidays, including Memorial Day, from their traditional dates to a specified Monday in order to create a convenient three-day weekend. The change moved Memorial Day from its traditional May 30 date to the last Monday in May. The law took effect in 1971 at the federal level.

Modern Observances

Today, Memorial Day is celebrated with a variety of events and traditions. It is customary to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff from dawn until noon. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries. Memorial Day is also associated with the beginning of the summer season.

Memorial Day serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by countless men and women who have given their lives in service to our country. As we enjoy the long weekend and the unofficial start of summer, let us not forget the true meaning of the day and take a moment to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.