Memorial Day

Memorial Day Memorial Day, which falls on the last monday of May, honors the men and women who died while seving in the American military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it oringinated holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting... More

Memorial Day Memorial Day, which falls on the last monday of May, honors the men and women who died while seving in the American military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it oringinated holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding familiy gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, at least, ti marks the beginning of summer. In 2011, Memorial Day is observed on Monday, May 30. 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 the Civil war soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand army of the Republic, an organization of former bsailors and soldier. 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 Less