Memorial Day History
About a week ago we were likely all enjoying an extra day off for Memorial Day. We all know this holiday is more than just barbeques and picnics, pool openings and the unofficial start of summer. Originally known as Decoration Day, this day of remembrance was first widely observed in 1868 to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers. In 1971 with the pass of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, Memorial Day was established by Congress. Below is a chance to test how much you really know about this important Memorial Day holiday.
Some interesting facts
- The name Decoration Day came from the tradition of decorating graves with flowers, flags and wreaths
- Many towns in the north and south claim to be the birthplace, including Macon and Columbus, GA; Richmond, VA; Boalsburg PA; Carbondale, IL
- 25 places have been connected to the origin of Memorial Day
- President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, NY the birthplace of Memorial Day in May 1966, after much contention
- On May 5, 1868 the head of an organization of Union veterans, Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), established Decoration Day as a time to place flowers on the tombs of the nation’s Civil War soldiers.
- Major General John Logan declared the day should be May 30th
- Memorial Day is celebrated the last Monday of May every year
- Several southern states still officially observe an additional, separate day for honoring Confederate soldiers, often referred to as Confederate Memorial Day
- Traditionally the President or Vice President places a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- Small American flags are placed on each grave at Arlington national Cemetery each year
- Approximately 5,000 people attended the first large observance of Decoration Day. This is about the same amount that attend today
- After WWI the holiday was expanded to honor those who died in all American wars.
- In December 2000, Congress passed “The National Moment of Remembrance Act.” It encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 PM local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who lost their life in service to their country.