 Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day to
remember those who have died in US nation's service. After the Civil war
many people in the North and South decorated graves of fallen soldiers
with flowers.
In the Spring of 1866, Henry C. Welles, a druggist in the village of
Waterloo, NY, suggested that the patriots who had died in the Civil War
should be honored by decorating their graves. General John B. Murray,
Seneca County Clerk, embraced the idea and a committee was formed to plan
a day devoted to honoring the dead. Townspeople made wreaths, crosses and
bouquets for each veteran's grave. The village was decorated with flags at
half mast. On May 5 of that year, a processional was held to the town's
cemeteries, led by veterans. The town observed this day of remembrance on
May 5 of the following year as well.
Decoration Day was officially
proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan in his General Order No.
11, and was first observed officially on May 30, 1868. The South refused
to acknowledge Decoration Day, honoring their dead on separate days until
after World War I. In 1882, the name was changed to Memorial Day, and
soldiers who had died in other wars were also honored.
In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday to be held on the
last Monday in May.
Today, Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of the summer season
in the United States. It is still a time to remember those who have passed
on, whether in war or otherwise. It also is a time for families to get
together for picnics, ball games, and other early summer activities. |
