Memorial Day
Suhaily Vázquez
12-2
English Class
Memorial Day
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set
aside to honor the nation s Civil War dead by decorating their graves.
It was first
widely observed on May 30, 1868,...
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Memorial Day
Suhaily Vázquez
12-2
English Class
Memorial Day
Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set
aside to honor the nation s Civil War dead by decorating their graves.
It was first
widely observed on May 30, 1868, to honor the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by
proclamation of General John A.
Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an
organization of former sailors and soldiers.
On May 5, 1868, Logan declared in
General Order No.
11 that:
The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or
otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country
during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and
hamlet churchyard in the land.
In this observance no form of ceremony is
prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting
services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.
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