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The history of Memorial begins around 1867. It was originally named Decoration Day, and it serves as the remembrance of soldier’s and others who died during their service to our nation.
Over 24 towns claim that theirs is the birthplace of this holiday, so many stories arise as to the actual
origin of it. In May of 1966, President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, New York, as the official birthplace of Memorial Day. But even with that declaration, it is hard to prove that this is true.
It is believed that there were separate beginnings of the holiday, celebrated in different states at the time. People gathered in various places in honor of the war heroes of the 1860’s, and it became a growing movement . Regardless of its origin, the important thing is that Memorial Day was established. The idea of people gathering to honor the dead soldiers of war and others who served our nation became the important fact to recognize, because it was not about division, it was about reconciliation.
General John Logan officially proclaimed the holiday on May 5, 1868. He was a national commander, and people came from miles around to place flowers on graves of the Union and Confederate soldiers, as well, at the famous Arlington National Cemetery. New York was the first state to recognize this, and by 1890 all the other states followed the tradition.
It is celebrated on the last Monday of May in almost every state. This ensures a three-day weekend for the Federal holiday.
Share
the Memorial Day
History with your
kids as a bedtime
story.
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