Memorial Day History

Memorial Day’s roots lie in the aftermath of the Civil War, a conflict that claimed the lives of the most U.S. military personnel in history.

The holiday was originally called “Decoration Day,” reflecting the tradition of decorating graves with flowers and flags.

The first national observance of Memorial Day, now known as Decoration Day, was on May 30, 1868, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic.

Memorial Day became an official federal holiday in 1971, following the passage of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act.

The day is intended to be a time for somber remembrance and reflection on the sacrifices made by those who died in service to the nation.