The Origins of Decoration Day
Decoration Day, which eventually evolved into what we now celebrate as Memorial Day, was born out of a need to honor and remember those who died in service to their country. This solemn occasion has deep historical roots, and its inception involved several key figures whose efforts laid the foundation for this annual commemoration. Let’s delve into the lives and contributions of five significant individuals pivotal to the creation of Decoration Day.
1. General John A. Logan
General John A. Logan, known as the “Black Jack” of the Civil War, was not only a decorated military leader but also a prominent politician. His most notable contribution to the tradition of commemorating the fallen came in 1868. As the head of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), a fraternal organization of Union veterans, Logan issued General Order No. 11. This directive designated May 30, 1868, as the day for nationwide memorial services:
“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 church-yard in the land.”
Logan's call to action not only set the date but also initiated the widespread practice of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths, and flags, giving birth to Decoration Day.
2. Mary Ann Williams
Mary Ann Williams, the wife of General Thomas Williams, played a significant yet less known role in the early observances of what would become Decoration Day. Following her husband’s death at the Battle of Baton Rouge, Mary Ann dedicated herself to memorializing the soldiers who died. In her community, she organized local women to place flowers on soldiers’ graves, creating a poignant and communal act of remembrance:
- Her grassroots efforts sparked similar activities in other locations, influencing the broader adoption of Decoration Day.
- She advocated for the remembrance not just of Union soldiers but all soldiers, emphasizing the unifying aspect of the commemoration.
3. Henry Welles
Though not as widely recognized, Henry Welles was instrumental in the development of Decoration Day in Waterloo, New York. Known as the first town to celebrate the holiday, Welles was a druggist by trade but a patriot at heart:
- He proposed to close local businesses and drape buildings in mourning to honor Civil War casualties.
- His vision was embraced by the community, leading to the first official Decoration Day celebration in Waterloo on May 5, 1866.
Welles’s actions helped establish a community tradition that would later be recognized nationwide.
4. Frances M. Glessner
Frances M. Glessner was an influential figure in Chicago, where she organized what is claimed to be one of the earliest Decoration Day observances in 1865. Glessner, along with other prominent women, decorated the graves of the fallen at Chicago’s City Cemetery:
- Her work in Chicago helped set a precedent for the formal recognition of the holiday.
- She promoted a message of national reconciliation, encouraging both Union and Confederate graves to be adorned, transcending the political divide of the war.
5. Anna M. Jarvis
While Anna M. Jarvis is more famously known for the creation of Mother’s Day, her advocacy for commemoration and remembrance played a role in the broader cultural movement toward national holidays. Though not directly linked to the creation of Decoration Day, her efforts:
- Highlighted the importance of remembrance and personal sacrifices.
- Provided a model for how individual citizens could influence national holidays through grassroots efforts.
By exploring these lives, we can see that Decoration Day was not the product of a singular event or individual but rather a collective endeavor inspired by a shared national sentiment. Each person brought something unique to the table, from Logan's official proclamation to Williams's grassroots memorials, Welles's community engagement, Glessner's inclusivity, and Jarvis's legacy of personal remembrance. These efforts melded together to create a day that now stands as a testament to the sacrifices made by countless service members throughout American history.
💡 Note: While many towns claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day, Waterloo, New York, was officially recognized by President Lyndon B. Johnson as the birthplace of the holiday in 1966.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the history behind Decoration Day, which became Memorial Day, gives us a profound appreciation for its significance. This day of remembrance was built on the backbones of people who, in their own ways, sought to honor those who gave their lives for freedom, unity, and the preservation of the United States. Their legacy continues through our observance of Memorial Day, reminding us of the sacrifices made and the importance of national unity.
Why was May 30th chosen as the date for Decoration Day?
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General John A. Logan chose May 30th because it was not the anniversary of any specific battle, and spring flowers would be in bloom nationwide, facilitating the tradition of decorating graves with flowers.
What is the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day?
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Memorial Day honors those who died while serving in the U.S. military, while Veterans Day honors all who have served, both living and deceased.
Why is Memorial Day celebrated on the last Monday of May now?
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Memorial Day was moved to the last Monday in May in 1971 to create a three-day weekend for federal employees under the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. This change was made to encourage travel, trade, and visits to battlefields and cemeteries.
Related Terms:
- When is Decoration Day
- Cemetery Decoration Day
- Memorial Day artinya
- History of Labor Day
