Memorial Day

Celebrated on 05/25/2026

Quick Fact

Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to honor Union and Confederate soldiers. The date was chosen because it wasn't the anniversary of any particular battle. It wasn't until 1971 that Congress declared it a national holiday, moving it to the last Monday in May.

Origins and Establishment of Memorial Day

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, emerged in the aftermath of the American Civil War, which claimed more lives than any other conflict in U.S. history. The first large-scale observance was on May 30, 1868, when General John A. Logan, leader of the Grand Army of the Republic (a Union veterans organization), called for a nationwide day of remembrance. Communities across the North and South held ceremonies and decorated the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. While many towns claim to have held earlier commemorations, Waterloo, New York, is officially recognized as the birthplace of Memorial Day, having first observed the day on May 5, 1866.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Over time, Decoration Day evolved into Memorial Day, expanding to honor all American military personnel who died in any war, not just the Civil War. After World War I, the day became a time to remember all fallen soldiers. In 1971, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, moving Memorial Day from May 30 to the last Monday in May, creating a three-day weekend. Today, Memorial Day is marked by parades, speeches, and the placement of flags and flowers on graves. The National Moment of Remembrance, established in 2000, encourages all Americans to pause at 3:00 PM local time for a minute of silence. It is also considered the unofficial start of summer, with many people hosting barbecues and taking trips.

Facts & General Observations

• Approximately 1.36 million Americans have died in all U.S. wars combined, with the Civil War alone accounting for about 620,000 deaths.
• The National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C., is one of the largest, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators.
• The poppy became a symbol of remembrance after World War I, inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields."

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