It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868 to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of Gen. John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former Union sailors and soldiers. During that first national commemoration, former Union Gen.
What was the original origin of Memorial Day and why?
Who came up with the idea of Memorial Day?
General John A. Logan On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan, leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance later that month.
What was Memorial Day first called and why?
When the observance was first declared in 1868 by General John Logan, it was called Decoration Day in reference to a tradition of decorating the graves of those whose lives were lost in the Civil War. Decoration Day was observed May 30. By the 1890s, a lot of Northern states had made Decoration Day a state holiday.
Why was Memorial Day a special day before 1967?
Memorial Day got its start after the Civil War ended, except then it was called Decoration Day. … However, the US has been involved in many wars since the Civil War, so in 1967, it became the official day to honor all of the military who had died serving their country.
What president made Memorial Day a national holiday?
President Lyndon Johnson President Lyndon Johnson proclaimed Waterloo, New York, as the “Birthplace of Memorial Day,” because it began a formal observance on May 5, 1866.
What is the true meaning of Memorial Day?
Memorial Day commemorates all men and women who have died in U.S. military service. It's not to be confused with Veterans Day, which celebrates the service of U.S. military veterans, or with Armed Forces Day, which honors men and women currently in service. Memorial Day began a few years after the Civil War, in 1868.
What is the history of Memorial Day?
The national holiday was established to honor those who have died in American wars. Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day. It originated during the American Civil War, when citizens would place flowers on the graves of those who had been killed in battle.
What was Memorial Day called before its renaming in 1967?
Decoration Day The holiday's Decoration Day moniker lingered until 1882, but the day wasn't an official holiday until 1967. The holiday was held on May 30 until 1971, when Congress fixed the date as the last Monday in May.
Why was Memorial Day changed May 30th?
In 1971, federal law changed the observance of the holiday to the last Monday in May and extended the honor to all soldiers who died in American wars. A few states continue to celebrate Memorial Day on May 30.