Memorial Day is more than just an extra day off, right? What is so important about Memorial Day? Why do we celebrate it?
Memorial Day is more than just the beginning of summer. For me, and I’m sure for many more people, Memorial Day was always celebrated by sleeping in, spending time outside, taking advantage of Memorial Day sales, and having a barbeque with family. In the midst of all the fun I was having, I never understood why Memorial Day was so important.
What is Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is an American holiday, celebrated on the last Monday of May every year. Memorial Day is celebrated to honor and remember the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.
Memorial Day, was once known as Decoration Day, originated in the years after the Civil War took place, but it wasn’t until 1971 when Memorial Day became an official federal holiday.
Decoration Day
“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.” General John A. Logan proclaimed on May 5, 1868 for everyone to remember the fallen.
“On the first Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, and 5,000 participants decorated the graves of the 20,000 Civil War soldiers buried there.” (history.com)
History of Memorial Day
Memorial Day, or Decoration Day originally honored only those who died while fighting in the Civil War. This changed during World War I when the US found itself in a similar heartache and conflict from the past war. As more wars occurred, Memorial Day evolved to honor American military personnel who died in all wars including World War II, The Vietnam War, The Korean War and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, we honor anyone who lost their lives while serving in the military.
For many years, Memorial Day was celebrated on May 30th, just as General Logan had originally proclaimed. In 1968, “Congress pass the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees. The change went into effect in 1971. The same law also declared Memorial Day a federal holiday.” (history.com)
Holiday Traditions
A great way to observe Memorial Day is by visiting cemeteries and memorials, or wear a red poppy to remember those fallen. But, don’t forget to have fun too. Have those barbeques and family vacations to start off the summer. Happy Memorial Day!