When Was Memorial Day First Started: A Day of Remembrance

Origins and Establishment

Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, traces its roots back to the aftermath of the American Civil War. As a nation mourned the loss of hundreds of thousands of soldiers, citizens sought ways to honor their sacrifice.

May 30, 1868: General John A. Logan, the Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), issued General Order No. 11, declaring May 30th as a day for decorating the graves of fallen Union soldiers.

Logan’s order called for “the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion” to be “properly strewn with flowers.”
The date of May 30th was chosen as it fell between the two major holidays of Fourth of July and Independence Day.

National Observance and Evolution

Gradually, other states and localities adopted the tradition of Decoration Day. By the early 20th century, the holiday had become widely observed across the United States.

1968: Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved several federal holidays, including Memorial Day, to Mondays. The intention was to create longer weekends for federal employees.

1971: Memorial Day was officially declared a national holiday, and the name was changed from Decoration Day to Memorial Day.

Significance and Commemoration

Memorial Day serves as a solemn occasion to honor the memory of all American military personnel who have died while serving their country. It is a day of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude for their sacrifice.

Traditional ways to commemorate Memorial Day include:

Visiting cemeteries and memorials to pay respects.
Observing a moment of silence at 3 PM local time.
Participating in parades and memorial services.
Raising the American flag at half-staff from sunrise to noon.

Conclusion

Memorial Day stands as a testament to the sacrifices made by those who have fought for our nation. From its humble beginnings as a day of honoring Union soldiers to its present status as a national day of remembrance, Memorial Day continues to be an important holiday that unites Americans in gratitude and respect.

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