A Short History of Memorial Day

clafter the end of Civil War in 1865. Towns from North
Memorial Day is held annually on the last Monday ofand South participated in this annual tradition. It was
May. It is America’s favorite federal holidayssoon known as the ‘Decoration Day.’
as it is an official start of the summer season. BesidesIt got its name from the custom of decorating
this, it is also an emotional holiday for many peoplesoldier’s graves.
because this day honors the fallen soldiers of the USWaterloo, New York was one town that became
Army. The history of this day dates back to the 19thfamous for its celebration of Decoration Day. Its
century and is more complex than it appears.residents started this tradition in 1866 holding it for a
No one is sure when and where the first Memoriallong time every year at the same date. On 1868,
Day was held. It is documented but many townsDecoration Day became a national event when Gen
throughout the country began celebrating their deadJohn Logan declared its value for the entire nation.