Memorial Day: Honoring the Fallen
Origins of Memorial Day
Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, is a federal holiday in the United States dedicated to honoring and remembering those who have lost their lives in military service to the country. The holiday originated in the aftermath of the Civil War, when local communities began holding ceremonies to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers.
Establishment of a National Holiday
In 1868, General John A. Logan, the commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, a Union veterans' organization, called for a national day of remembrance to be observed on May 30th. This date was chosen as it fell halfway between the traditional spring and fall holidays and would not coincide with any major agricultural events.
In 1971, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May, ensuring that it would always fall on a three-day weekend.
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