Memorial Day is a weekend everyone knows. For some, it is the first sign of summer because it is the day most public pools first open. For others, this day is to remember and honor their friends and loved ones who have died in their country. This holiday is an American tradition to honor our soldiers and the brave men and women who have fought and died for their country. With this holiday approaching, we reflect on history and our reasons for celebrating Memorial Day.
History
Memorial Day was originally referred to as Decoration Day on the first annual celebration on May 30th, 1868. Similar to today’s celebration, Decoration Day was a day to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers. Decoration Day seemed appropriate because on this day, Americans would decorate the graves of our fallen soldiers with flowers, wreaths, and flags. Decoration Day was proclaimed by General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic.
During the first national Memorial Day, the former Union General and Ohio Congressman, James Garfield made speeches at Arlington National Cemetery. Following the speeches, 5,000 people decorated the graves of over 20,000 Union Soldiers. New York was the first state to make Memorial Day a legal holiday in 1873 and by the late 1800s, many other states legalized the holiday. Following World War 1, Memorial Day evolved into a day to memorialize and honor all those who died during the American wars. Today, it is a national holiday in the United States of America.
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Celebration
Memorial Day takes place on the last Monday of May. In 1971, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. This act stated that Memorial Day was to be celebrated on the last Monday of May. Several other states have commemorations in addition to Memorial Day. Southern states celebrate the Confederate War soldiers who have passed as a Confederate Memorial Day. Each southern state celebrates this on a different day.
Every year, Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery. The ceremony places a small American flag on each grave. The president and Vice President of the United States also lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier for fallen soldiers who were never found.
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