Memorial Day - History behind the Holiday
We all know that the Memorial Day holiday is about honoring our Veterans, but how did the holiday get it's start? It is known that Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day. There are many different stories as to the start of the tradition, many claim it started with the women's groups in the South decorating graves even before the end of the Civil War. President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, NY as the origin of Memorial Day back in May of 1966, however there is no conclusive information that makes the true origin of the holiday clear. What's important is that the it did begin, we do know that Memorial Day was started in response to recognizing those who dies in the Civil War.
May 5, 1868 was the day that Memorial Day was officially proclaimed by General John Logan, it had it's first observation on the 30 of May that year. At that first observance flowers were placed at the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers. Interestingly the Southern states refused to acknowledge the holiday, they honored their dead on a different day. After World War I the holiday was changed to acknowledge all Americans who died fighting in any war.
Memorial Day today is observed on the last Monday in May and is marked by parades honoring our Military Veterans across the country. Take the time to think about those that sacrificed the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Enjoy the parade, the bbq,family and friends, but don't forget the reason for the holiday.
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