Table of Contents
Memorial Day
Holiday
In the United States, Memorial Day is a federal holiday. It was originally called Decoration Day.1)
Remembrance For Military
It is a day of remembrance for US military members who have died while serving in the US armed services.2)
Date
It takes place on the final Monday of May. From 1868 through 1970, it was observed on May 30.3)
Visiting Graves
On Memorial Day, many people visit graves and memorials to remember and grieve those who died while serving in the United States military. Many volunteers raise an American flag on service personnel's graves in national cemeteries.4)
Start Of Summer
In the United States, Memorial Day is often regarded the unofficial start of summer.5)
General John A. Logan
General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic declared a “Decoration Day” in 1868, which was extensively observed.6)
Northern State Holiday
By 1890, it had become a holiday in every Northern state.7)
Day Of Remembrance
Because of the World Wars, it became a generic day of remembering rather than simply for the Civil War.8)
1971
In 1971, Congress renamed the holiday “Memorial Day” and moved it to the final Monday in May.9)
Other US Military Holidays
Two other days honor people who have served or are serving in the United States military. Armed Services Day (earlier in May), an unofficial United States holiday recognizing those now serving in the armed forces, and Veterans Day (November 11), which commemorates those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.10)
Complex History Of The Holiday Origins
Memorial Day has a complicated history in the United States. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs acknowledges that around 25 locations claim to be the originators of the holiday. 11)
Memorial Day Study
There is a Center for Memorial Day Study at Columbus [Georgia] State University, and the University of Mississippi has a Center for Civil War Research that has also spearheaded research into the roots of Memorial Day.12)
Ancient Tradition
It is an ancient habit to decorate soldiers' graves with flowers.13)
American Civil War
Before and during the American Civil War, soldiers' graves were adorned throughout the United States.14)
Debunking Myths
Many of the origin claims are unsubstantiated tales, while others are one-time cemetery dedications or funeral tributes. One scholarly endeavor in 2014 aimed to distinguish myths and one-time events from the activities that led to the creation of the official holiday.15)