Yesterday I was visiting a property and the trip took me through downtown Duluth GA. As I was driving along I saw the many American Flags lining the street with the names of service personnel along with the war they served in. What a tribute! My thoughts then ran to what is the history of Memorial Day. I thought I would do a little research and share it with you.
Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day. It was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic and was first observed on May 30, 1868. The initial celebration was to place flowers on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
Up to 1971 Memorial Day was observed on May 30 of each year. At that point The National Holiday Act of 1971 changed the holiday to the last Monday of May, ensuring a 3 day weekend for Federal Holidays.
The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. The South however refused to acknowledge the day, honoring their dead on separate days until after World War I. At that time the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war. Several southern states still have an additional separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead: January 19 in Texas, April 26 in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi; May 10 in South Carolina; and June 3 (Jefferson Davis’ birthday) in Louisiana and Tennessee.
The importance of Memorial Day has seemed to have diminished over the years. Some may consider it the official start to the summer vacation season, others may just enjoy a day off, and all of us however should find time to Honor Our American Heroes!
Take a few moments this Memorial Day Weekend and remember those who gave their all for our freedom this Memorial Day. Here is a short video of Downtown Duluth with the American Flags proudly displayed.
Happy Memorial Day Everyone! If you have served our country, Thank You Very Much!