The Origins of Memorial Day

Memorial Day is the official start of the summer season. It is a long weekend that is celebrated with outings and picnics with family and friends. Colleges have graduation and the students start their summer jobs. High School students start to think of their graduation or final exams. This will be the last break from school before the end of the school year. Is this what Memorial Day is all about?

Memorial Day started out as Decoration Day and was officially changed to Memorial Day in 1971 when it was changed to Memorial Day. Decoration Day was first proclaimed by John A. Logan of The Grand Army of the Republic on May 5, 1868. On that day he issued General Order #11:

The 30th 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 of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

This is considered the first Decoration Day by most people. There are many town and cities that claim they started Decoration Day earlier. The former Confederate States claim that groups of women used to decorate the graves of the Civil War Dead before the end of the war and according to the Duke University's Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920 there was a song by Nella L. Sweet, titled, "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping", that was dedicated to the "To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead". The song was published in 1867. However in May of 1966 President Lyndon Johnson named Waterloo, NY as the birth place of Decoration Day. Even today many southern states have a separate State Holiday to celebrate the Confederate Memorial Day.

What ever it is called it has become a day to honor all those who served in the Military and have passed away. Many people do this by decorating the graves of the fallen service personal with flags and or flowers. Many communities will also celebrate with a parade featuring bands and military units. As you enjoy this Holiday Weekend take time to remember the men and women who gave their lives to keep this country free. Also remember the men and women who are serving around the world keeping the peace and fighting to keep us free. In May of 2000, President Clinton signed a proclamation that urged all citizens to take time at, 3PM local time, to each in their own way to spend a moment to remember our fallen service personal.