The History of Memorial Day: From Local Observance to National Holiday
The annual holiday known as Memorial Day has deep-rooted origins dating back to the Civil War, a time when Americans sought ways to honor their fallen loved ones. This significant day, often seen as the unofficial kickoff to summer, holds more profound meaning beyond barbecues, parades, and retail sales that have come to characterize the long weekend. According to the National Cemetery Administration, Memorial Day can be linked back to the final years of the American Civil War, a bloody conflict that claimed the lives of approximately 620,000 Americans, surpassing the casualties of all other American wars combined.
Historians recount how families of the deceased soldiers sought ways to pay tribute to their fallen heroes by visiting cemeteries and adorning grave sites with flowers and small American flags as a gesture of respect. This practice, rooted in ancient traditions dating as far back as Roman times, evolved into what we now recognize as Memorial Day. The official establishment of Memorial Day occurred on May 5, 1868, with the issuance of General Orders Number 11 by Major General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, also known as the “Memorial Day Act.”
The date of May 30th was chosen for the first national “Decoration Day” celebration at Arlington National Cemetery in 1868. Over time, Memorial Day gained recognition and was officially adopted by various states, with New York being the first to do so in 1873. As the years passed and America found itself engaged in subsequent wars like World War I and World War II, Memorial Day evolved into a day to honor all service members lost in American conflicts. In 1966, Waterloo, New York, was declared the “birthplace” of Memorial Day by the federal government, marking a significant milestone in the holiday’s history.
The Uniform Monday Holiday Act, enacted in 1968, designated Memorial Day to be observed on the last Monday in May, along with other federal holidays like President’s Day and Columbus Day. This act aimed to create long weekends for federal employees and promote tourism. Through the years, Memorial Day has come to symbolize not just the onset of summer but a solemn occasion to remember and honor the sacrifices made by those who served their country. It serves as a poignant reminder of the past, urging reflection and dialogue to prevent the recurrence of past mistakes and conflicts. As Tom Lalim from the Minnesota Historical Society aptly puts it, Memorial Day is a time to pay tribute to the fallen and strive for a peaceful future.
