Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day, a day to decorate the graves of the Civil War dead. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868 and organized by the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), an organization of former sailors and soldiers. It was inspired by local observances during the 3 years after the end of the Civil War.
After World War I the observances began to honor those who had died in all of America’s Wars.
With the passage of the National Holiday act of 1971 the National Memorial Day is the last Monday in May.
Traditional observance of Memorial Day has diminished over the years with many Americans forgetting or not understanding the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. Towns and cities still hold Memorial Day parades, however many have not held a parade in decades. It’s even thought by some people that the day is for honoring any and all dead, and not just those fallen in service to our country.
Some have advocate returning to the previous traditional date of May 30th. The earliest that Memorial Day can be is May 25th, which it will be this year.
Please take a moment with us as we honor those who have made the greatest sacrifice for their country.