Do you think you know everything there is about Memorial Day? Maybe you don’t know as much of the history as you thought you did! Memorial Day, as most Americans understand, is the national holiday set on the last Monday of May, honoring all of the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military. Memorial Day was originally titled as Decoration Day and was brought into existence several years following the American Civil War. In 1971, the day of remembrance became an official federal holiday and was celebrated nationwide.
Today, many American families observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials of the fallen, holding family gatherings in remembrance, and by participating in parades across the country. Others, who might not have a direct relation to the holiday, usually celebrate by participating in weekend trips, barbecues, and by throwing parties which celebrate the pride of being an American. Memorial Day is usually considered the unofficial kickoff for the beginning of the summer season within the United States.
When the Civil War ended in 1865, it was noted to have taken more lives than any other conflict in U.S. history and required the establishment of our country’s first national cemeteries. By the late 1860’s the people of America began holding springtime tributes for these fallen soldiers, placing flowers and reciting prayers at gravesites, much like Americans still do to this day. It is unclear where this tradition officially began, however records show that one of the earliest Memorial Day commemorations originated within South Carolina as early as 1865. In 1966 the federal government declared Waterloo, New York as the official birthplace of Memorial Day.
Decoration Day, later becoming known as Memorial Day, originally honored only those lost while fighting in the Civil War. But during World War I, the United States found itself embroiled in another major conflict, and the holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars, including World War I & II, The Vietnam War, The Korean War and the wars in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
For decades, Memorial Day continued to be observed on May 30, the date General John A. Logan had selected for the first Decoration Day because it served no anniversary of any particular battle. But in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees. The change went into effect in 1971.
Many American soldiers celebrate Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials where family members and comrades have been laid to rest. The red poppy is said to be the flower of remembrance and is popularly worn by many on Memorial Day as a way to honor those who have fallen in war. This tradition of wearing red poppies on this day originated with a poem written during World War I by Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae titled, “In Flanders Field”.
Make sure to take a moment this Memorial Day to honor the fallen who have protected the United States throughout history. Barbeque, party, and travel while still remembering those lives lost during battle. Wear a bright red poppy to show your support to all of the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for the safety of our country.
To view a quick clip about Memorial Day, click here.
Cover photo: The flag over Birmingham, AL, @Amflagco
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