The Origin of Memorial Day

Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, began after the Civil War as a way to honor the soldiers who died in battle. Communities across the country held ceremonies where people decorated the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers, flags, and wreaths. This early tradition of honoring fallen heroes created a national day of remembrance that grew in significance as the nation healed from the war’s devastating losses.

The first large-scale observance took place on May 30, 1868, when General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic called for a nationwide day to decorate graves. Arlington National Cemetery hosted one of the earliest Memorial Day ceremonies, with speeches, prayers, and the placing of flowers on the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers. These early commemorations laid the foundation for what we now call Memorial Day ceremonies across the country.

Over time, Memorial Day evolved to honor all U.S. military personnel who died in service, not just those from the Civil War. Today, Memorial Day events—from parades to patriotic music and solemn services—remind us of the sacrifices made to preserve freedom.