Memorial Day (US)

(PD) Image: Kathleen T. Rhem
Season of Remembrance Begins (Memorial Day at Arlington Cemetery).

Memorial Day is a United States holiday that is celebrated the last Monday in May. It is a federal holiday that was established to honor all military service members who lost their lives while serving their country.

History

Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day was first celebrated on May 5, 1868, to honor veterans who lost their lives during the Civil War. General James Garfield spoke at the first Decoration Day (Memorial Day) ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery to a crowd of 5,000 people who honored both Confederate and Union soldiers buried at Arlington. American flags were placed on graves to honor those who gave their lives during this first service and the tradition is still followed today.

Here is the original text of the orders given declaring Decoration Day in 1868.

General Orders No. 11, Grand Army of the Republic Headquarters.

I. The 30th day of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form or ceremony is prescribed, but Posts and com­rades will, in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit. We are organized, Comrades, as our regulations tell us, for the purpose among other things, "of preserving and strengthening those kind and fraternal feelings which have bound together the soldiers sailors and marines, who united to suppress the late rebellion." What can aid more to assure this result than by cherishing tenderly the memory of our heroic dead? We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the nation can add to their adornment and security, is but a fitting tribute to the memory of her slain defenders. Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic. If other eyes grow dull and other hinds slack, and other hearts cold in the solemn trust, ours shall keep it well as long as the light and warmth of life remain in us. Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains, and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledge to aid and assist those whom they have left among us a sacred charge upon the Nation's gratitude—the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan.

II. It is the purpose of the Commander‑in‑Chief to inaugurate this observ­ance with the hope that it will be kept up from year to year, while a survivor of the war remains to honor the memory of his departed comrades. He earnestly desires the public press to call attention to this Order, and lend its friendly aid in bringing it to the notice of comrades in all parts of the country in time for simultaneous compliance therewith.

III. Department commanders will use every effort to make this Order effective.

By Command of:

John A. Logan

Commander in Chief May 5, 1868

Earlier observances

States on both sides of the Dixie Line held observances honoring the military who fought during the Civil War. One of the earliest observances was held in Columbus, Mississippi on April 25, 1866. Other localities who conducted observances include Macon and Columbus, Georgia; Richmond, Virginia and Carbondale, Illinois. There is a stone in Carbondale declaring the first Decoration Ceremony was held there. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson and the US Congress declared Waterloo, N.Y as the "birthplace" of Decoration Day.

World War I

After World War I the holiday was expanded to honor all who died in all US wars. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday.