Every year, the last Monday of May is set aside for a special observance in the United States—Memorial Day. For many Americans, it marks the unofficial start of summer, often celebrated with weekend getaways, backyard barbecues, and time off work. While it is a welcome three-day weekend for many, the true purpose of Memorial Day runs much deeper. At its heart, it is a solemn day of remembrance dedicated to honoring the men and women who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. military.
You may have some questions regarding the history of the holiday.
How did Memorial Day come to be? Why is it observed on the last Monday of May? And who first envisioned this national day of reflection?
The origins of Memorial Day can be traced back to the aftermath of the Civil War, a conflict that claimed more American lives than any other. In the years following the war, communities across the country began holding tributes to fallen soldiers, often by decorating their graves with flowers, hence the original name, Decoration Day. The most prominent early observance came in 1868 when General John A. Logan, a leader of a veterans’ organization, proclaimed May 30th as a national day of remembrance. He chose this date because it did not coincide with the anniversary of any specific Civil War battle, allowing it to serve as a universal day of mourning.
That first official Decoration Day took place at Arlington National Cemetery.
At this first celebration, approximately 5,000 people gathered to adorn the graves of 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers. Over time, the practice spread throughout the northern states, and by 1890, all of them recognized Decoration Day as an official holiday. Southern states, still grappling with the war’s aftermath, observed separate days to honor their fallen. It was not until after World War I that Memorial Day became more unified nationally, expanding its focus beyond the Civil War to include all American military personnel who died in any war.
With each war, the holiday grew.
As decades passed and the United States faced additional conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and more, Memorial Day evolved to become a day to remember all American service members who gave their lives in defense of the nation.
The date of the holiday also underwent a shift.
Although it was traditionally held on May 30th, in 1971 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved Memorial Day to the last Monday of May. This change aimed to provide federal employees with a consistent three-day weekend and helped solidify the holiday’s modern format. That same legislation officially established Memorial Day as a national holiday.
Today, how people observe Memorial Day varies widely. Some attend memorial services or visit cemeteries to honor the fallen, continuing the original traditions. Others view the weekend as a chance to relax or reconnect with family and friends. While its meaning may be interpreted differently, Memorial Day remains a powerful reminder of the cost of freedom.
