Memorial Day May 26th 2025

History of Memorial Day

Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the military personnel who have died in the performance of their military duties. The holiday is observed on the last Monday of May, and it was officially established as a federal holiday in 1971.

The origins of Memorial Day date back to the years following the Civil War, which ended in 1865. The Civil War claimed more lives than any conflict in U.S. history, leading to the establishment of the first national cemeteries. By the late 1860s, Americans in various towns and cities had begun holding springtime tributes to these fallen soldiers, decorating their graves with flowers and reciting prayers.

One of the earliest recorded observances of Memorial Day occurred in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1865. Freed African Americans, along with missionaries and teachers, organized a ceremony to honor Union soldiers who had died in a Confederate prison camp. This event is considered one of the first instances of what would later become Memorial Day.

On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan, leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance. He designated May 30, 1868, as Decoration Day, a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. The date was chosen because it was not the anniversary of any particular battle. That year, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, and 5,000 participants decorated the graves of the 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried there.

Initially, Memorial Day was meant to honor those lost in the Civil War, but after World War I, the holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees. The change went into effect in 1971, the same year Memorial Day was officially declared a federal holiday.

Today, Memorial Day is marked by parades, ceremonies, and the decoration of graves with American flags and flowers. It serves as a time of reflection and gratitude for the sacrifices made by members of the U.S. armed forces throughout the nation’s history. Many people also view the holiday as the unofficial start of summer in the United States.

10 Fun Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day

1. Host a Backyard BBQ – Gather family and friends for a classic barbecue with delicious food, games, and music.
2. Attend a Memorial Day Parade – Show your support by attending a local parade honoring veterans and fallen soldiers.
3. Visit a War Memorial or Cemetery – Pay your respects to those who served by visiting a local memorial or cemetery.
4. Watch a Patriotic Movie – Have a movie night featuring films that celebrate the spirit of America.
5. Throw a Red, White, and Blue Party – Decorate with patriotic colors and enjoy themed snacks and drinks.
6. Go on a Picnic – Pack a picnic basket and head to a park to enjoy the outdoors with loved ones.
7. Participate in a Charity Run/Walk – Join a Memorial Day race to honor veterans while supporting a good cause.
8. Fly the American Flag – Display your patriotism by raising a flag at your home.
9. Take a Weekend Getaway – Plan a short trip to the beach, mountains, or a nearby city for some relaxation.
10. Enjoy Fireworks – End the day by watching a fireworks display to celebrate the holiday.