The Origins of Memorial Day
Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day, is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the military personnel who have died in the performance of their military duties. The holiday is observed on the last Monday of May. It was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868, by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
Memorial Day Traditions
Throughout the United States, many people observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials to honor and mourn those who died while serving in the U.S. Military. Many volunteers place an American flag on graves of military personnel in national cemeteries.
Memorial Day Symbols
Some of the key symbols associated with Memorial Day include the red poppy, which is worn on Memorial Day to honor those who died serving the United States during war. The Memorial Day flag, which is used to honor and remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Military, is also an important symbol.
Memorial Day and Veterans Day
It is important to note that Memorial Day and Veterans Day are two different holidays with two distinct purposes. While both honor military personnel, Memorial Day specifically honors those who have died while serving in the military, while Veterans Day honors all military veterans, whether they are living or dead.
Memorial Day Facts and Statistics
- More than 1.3 million American soldiers have died in wars since the American Revolution.
- Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day and was first observed in 1868.
- The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a moment of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation.
