Decoration Day, known today as Memorial Day, has a deeply rooted history in American tradition, commemorating those who have died in military service. Let's delve into when and how this significant day came to be established.
The Origin of Decoration Day
The concept of honoring fallen soldiers through decorating their graves existed long before the official establishment of Decoration Day. Communities would often organize local events where they would adorn the graves of deceased soldiers with flowers, wreaths, and flags. This practice was widespread after the Civil War, which claimed over 620,000 lives, fostering a collective need for mourning and remembrance.
The idea to create a national day of remembrance gained momentum:
- April 25, 1866: A ceremony at Columbus, Mississippi, where both Union and Confederate graves were decorated, is often cited as an early precursor.
- May 5, 1868: Major General John A. Logan, head of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), an organization of Union veterans, issued General Order No. 11, proclaiming:
“The 30th day 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.”
The First Observance and the Year of Establishment
On May 30, 1868, the first large-scale observance of what we now know as Memorial Day took place at Arlington National Cemetery. This day was marked by:
- General James Garfield, a future president, gave a speech to a crowd of 5,000 gathered at Arlington.
- Decoration of over 20,000 graves with flowers.
- The day became known as "Decoration Day," despite not being a national holiday at this point.
The year 1868 is pivotal as the formal establishment of Decoration Day, marking the beginning of a tradition that would evolve into Memorial Day.
From Decoration Day to Memorial Day
The transition from Decoration Day to Memorial Day came with several legislative actions:
- In 1890, New York became the first state to officially recognize Decoration Day as a legal holiday.
- By 1898, the Northern states followed suit, while the Southern states had their own days of remembrance.
- 1966: Congress passed a bill to declare Waterloo, New York, as the birthplace of Memorial Day, due to a community-wide event in 1866.
- 1968: The Uniform Monday Holiday Act was passed, which shifted several federal holidays to specific Mondays in the calendar year. Memorial Day was moved from May 30 to the last Monday in May. This change took effect in 1971, marking the official designation of Memorial Day as a federal holiday.
Since 1971, Memorial Day has been observed on the last Monday of May, providing a three-day weekend often regarded as the unofficial start of summer.
💡 Note: The Uniform Monday Holiday Act aimed to provide federal employees with more three-day weekends, reducing absenteeism, increasing travel opportunities, and boosting commerce. However, some argue that this move has diluted the solemnity of the day, making it more about leisure than remembrance.
The transformation of Decoration Day into Memorial Day has not only shifted its timing but also its purpose. While Decoration Day initially focused on Civil War veterans, Memorial Day honors all those who have died in all of America's wars.
Throughout the years, observances have varied:
- In many towns, the day starts with a small ceremony where volunteers place flags on graves.
- Communities often hold parades, speeches, and gatherings to remember the fallen.
- Some states, like Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina, observe Confederate Memorial Day on different dates than the federal holiday.
Decoration Day was established in 1868, a time of great national mourning and reflection. Its transition to Memorial Day reflects America's evolving attitudes towards war, sacrifice, and remembrance. As we enjoy our long weekends, it's crucial to recall the origins of this day and the solemnity it deserves.
Why was Waterloo, New York, chosen as the birthplace of Memorial Day?
+
Waterloo was recognized because in 1866, the entire community closed for a day to honor Civil War dead by decorating their graves, setting a precedent for national observance.
How did Memorial Day get its current name?
+
It was gradually renamed to Memorial Day in the 1880s by many to honor all those who died in military service, not just in the Civil War. The name was officially changed by federal law in 1971.
What is the National Moment of Remembrance?
+
Established in 2000, the National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause for one minute at 3:00 pm on Memorial Day to remember and honor those who died in military service.
