The Meaning of Memorial Day

As Memorial Day is fast approaching, Monday, May 26 to be exact, there are several ways to look at that day. It often signals the end of school and the beginning of summer. It is a three-day break for many workers. It’s often a reason for picnics and family get-togethers and even parades. It’s a day people happily anticipate, especially if the weather cooperates. But what is it really?

Memorial Day dates back to the years after the Civil War in the 1860s. It was originally called Decoration Day. I always have known about its original name because my mother, born in 1918, would call it that sometimes. (She also occasionally called a refrigerator an icebox. When these words happened to slip out of my mouth, it is to much teasing by my grandchildren). It became known as Memorial Day after World War II and was made official in 1967.

Decoration Day was formalized by a “Memorial Day Order” issued by Union General John A. Logan. He declared May 30, 1868 as the date of remembrance for those who died in the Civil War. That date was chosen because it wasn’t the anniversary of a specific battle. The South held their own remembrances at this time.

Memorial Day remained unofficial for decades. In 1950, the Congress agreed upon a resolution asking the president to issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States to observe “Memorial Day, by praying, each in accordance with their religious faith, for permanent peace.”

In 1966, Congress and President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, NY the official “birthplace” of Memorial Day. It seems that on May 5, 1866, the community hosted an event where businesses closed and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags. Needless to say, it was a controversial pick.

In 1968, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act was passed. It set Memorial Day for the final Monday every May. In 1971, Memorial Day officially became a federal holiday.

There is a difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day in November. Memorial Day honors those who died in military service. Veterans Day honors and celebrates all veterans living or dead.

Some facts about Memorial Day:

So enjoy the day with family and friends, but never forget. As Sgt. Major Bill Paxton once said, “May we never forget are fallen comrades. Freedom isn’t free.”