Memorial Day History

Photo by psilver

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time to honor the nation’s Civil War dead by decorating their graves.  On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic declared in General Order No. 11 that:

The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land.  In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May.  Let’s remember, observe and honor all those who have died in all of America’s wars on this Memorial Day.