The story of Memorial Day begins in the aftermath of the American Civil War, the deadliest war in U.S. history. More than 600,000 soldiers had died, and communities across the country were grieving.
From Local Tributes to “Decoration Day”
In the years right after the Civil War, towns and families began holding springtime ceremonies to honor fallen soldiers. People visited cemeteries, cleaned graves, and decorated them with flowers which is why the early observance became known as “Decoration Day.”
Many places claimed to have held the first ceremony. One important early event happened in 1865 in Charleston, where formerly enslaved Black Americans reburied Union soldiers and honored them with a parade and memorial ceremony.
By 1868, a national effort began when John A. Logan, a Union Army general and leader of a veterans’ organization called the Grand Army of the Republic, declared May 30 as a day to decorate the graves of war dead.
The first large national observance took place at Arlington National Cemetery, where thousands gathered to honor Union soldiers.
After More Wars, the Meaning Expanded
Originally, Decoration Day mainly honored soldiers who died in the Civil War. But after World War I, Americans began using the holiday to remember all U.S. military personnel who died in any war.
Over time, the name “Memorial Day” became more common. By the mid-20th century, it had largely replaced “Decoration Day.”
Becoming an Official Federal Holiday
In 1971, the U.S. government officially made Memorial Day a federal holiday through the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. The law moved the holiday to the last Monday in May to create a three-day weekend for workers.
Today, Memorial Day serves two roles in American culture:
- A solemn day of remembrance for fallen service members
- The unofficial start of summer, marked by parades, family gatherings, and travel
Many traditions continue, including placing flags on graves, holding memorial ceremonies, and observing a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. local time.
You can still see the original spirit of Decoration Day in ceremonies held each year at places like Arlington National Cemetery.
Ralph H
100% respect for all that have served. Thank you for sharing Wes.
Charles R
Full respect and admiration for those that served. My Father Jan. of 1942 to 1946 in 320tth Bombardment Group. His cousin Abe a B-17 pilot shot down and became a German POW, and made it back home. My Mother’s cousin was taken as a prisoner of war by the Japanese in that horrendous Phillipine Bataan Death March. Later he escaped. A Japanese patrol found him and was going to shoot him for escaping. By some stroke of providence one Japanese member had gone to the University of Chicago with him. He told the Officer in charge of what a great radio engineer my second cousin was and that saved him and he aslo made it home, though would never eat rice again.
Jerry M
For me, I’m sick and tired of listening to “weird strangeness” about aliens, ghosts, UFO’s and lights. I subscribed to “Sasquatch Chronicles” – hence the name. I’m not being rude, ugly or trying to stir the pot. Not me. I’m just being honest.
Rodger f
Then go somewhere else. You don’t have to listen to the show. There’s no rules that say it has to be about Sasquatch. It’s Wes show. He can do what he wants with it. I know myself and the people I know personally who listen don’t care.
Rodger f
Ya know I’m 44 and I’m blown away by how many of the youth and adults have no idea what this holiday is about. Sad! Makes me think if no one believes in all this then who is gonna stand up down the road if need be. I don’t see to many of these younger kids really caring less. As long as they have there screens.