Memorial Day

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day (due to the decoration of graves of those who have died in service in the Civil War). It was proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan and was first observed on May 30, 1868 when flowers were placed on the graves of Confederate and Union soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first State to recognize the holiday was New York in 1873 and by 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The southern states refused to recognize the holiday until after the end of World War I. They preferred to recognize Confederate soldiers on a different date.

After World War I, Memorial day became a date to remember all who have died in wars. It is now recognized in almost every state as the last Monday in May, and it is a federal holiday. Several Southern states still have a separate date to honor Confederate soldiers.

Some people believe that this date is a day to honor all dead, but it is actually a date reserved to honor those that have fallen during military service. Many cities still have parades and celebrations, but these activities are fading. In December, 2000, Congress passed a resolution for a National Moment of Remembrance. At 3:00pm on Memorial Day, Americans are encouraged to take a moment of silence or listen to Taps to remember those who have fought for freedom for this country.