History of Memorial Day

Did you know that Memorial Day, was first called Decoration Day, and in some places still is? And did you know Memorial Day, or Decoration Day first began 3 years after the Civil War ended on May 5, 1868. The head of of an organization of Union veterans, the Grand Army of the Republic established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. It was soon moved to May 30th. May was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.

Even though it was started by the Union side th graves of Confederate soldiers were also decorated. Local observances of Confederate soldiers also took place before 1868. The wonmen also decorates the graves of Unions soldiers as well.

By the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day ceremones were being held on May 30th throughout the nation. States passed proclamations designating the day, and the Army, and Navy observed the day as well.

After World War I, however, Memorial Day was expanded to honor all those who have died in all American wars. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress. It was then moved to the last Monday in May. This year it falls on May 26th.

So you see, Memorial Day is not really for barbeques, and picnics. It is for honoring our deceased veterans, and it is for traditionally honoring all our deceased love ones, as well, with religious ceremonies, memorial services, and flowered decorations on graves. In recent years, these decorations can be fresh flowers, or faux flowers as well.

Information for this report was taken from United States Department of Veteran Affairs website, "Memorial Day Background" at
http://www1.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday/history.asp#hist

Headstone in a cemetary is decorated with flowers in memory of a loved one lost. Image used by permission from http://www.freeimages.co.uk/

Michael's is carrying artificial Memorial Day floral arrangements. More information can be found at my website at
http://www.xomba.com/memorial_day_cemetery_floral_arrangements