Are you curious about the origins and history of Memorial Day? In this engaging post, we reveal how this cherished day became a symbol of honor and hope. If you’ve ever yearned to understand the heartfelt stories behind American tradition and commemoration, you’re in the right spot. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of Memorial Day and how it has evolved since its inception after the Civil War.
Post-Civil War Mourning
After the Civil War ended in 1865, the nation was left with a profound sense of loss due to the staggering number of deaths. Estimates suggest that around 620,000 to 750,000 soldiers died as a result of the war. This grim backdrop led many communities to organize memorials for the fallen.
The deaths encompassed by the scale of the Civil War constituted almost 2 percent of the total population at the time. By the late 1860s, Americans throughout the newly united country had begun organizing springtime tributes for fallen soldiers.
Historians later concluded the initial congregation of mourners occurred in Waterloo, New York, which has retroactively become the birthplace of Memorial Day. Citizens in the town annually began congregating on May 5, 1866 in a community-wide observance; where businesses were closed and local residents bedecked the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags.
Decoration Day
Memorial Day was originally called “Decoration Day,” a name that stemmed from the practice of decorating the graves of soldiers with flowers. The term “Decoration Day,” the precursor to Memorial Day, was officially commemorated by an organization called the Grand Army of the Republic, or the GAR, who consecrated the name in 1868.
Andrew Garfield, a then congressman from Ohio, presided over the first honorary gathering for “Decoration Day.” Standing before a crowd of 5,000 mourners at Arlington National Cemetery, he delivered an address that remains hallowed in national memory.
The meaning of “Decoration Day” evolved over time as a result of proceeding conflicts, including World War I. Once the ashes of World War II had settled, Congress reappropriated the event as “Memorial Day,” honoring all soldiers who had fallen in conflicts endangering the solvency of the United States.
Official Recognition
In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a federal holiday to be observed on the last Monday in May, providing a three-day weekend for workers. The change aimed to ensure that the day could be honored more widely, encouraging remembrance and reflection.
Initially signed as the “Uniform Holiday Act,” Congress established a holiday to create a three-day weekend for federal employees to honor soldiers who perished in past conflicts, including most notably the Civil War, WWI, WWII, the Korean War, and eventually the Vietnam War. It’s compass now incorporates additional conflicts that have trespassed in the 21st century, including the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan after 9/11.
Cultural Traditions
Over the years, various traditions have developed, including parades, wearing of poppies, and moments of silence at 3:00 PM on the holiday.
In larger metropolitan areas, like New York, Chicago and Washington D.C., large parades are annually organized to commemorate the fallen. Parades frequently incorporate present military personnel as well as veteran’s organization, to further highlight the gravitas of the event.
Many American civilians also observe the holiday by visiting various cemeteries and memorials throughout the country. Most wear a traditional red poppy (inspired by the poem “In Flanders Fields”) in remembrance, a legacy initiated by the recitation of a World War I poem. On a less solemn note, many Americans also mark Memorial Day as an invitation to the summer, as the last weekend of May coincides with the announcement of the season. Consequently, many American celebrate the long weekend with barbeques, parties, or weekend vacations.
National Moment of Remembrance
In 2000, Congress established the National Moment of Remembrance, encouraging all Americans to pause for one minute at 3:00 PM local time to remember the sacrifices of the fallen.
It may be apocryphal, but the inspiration for a “National Moment of Remembrance” strangely arrived as a result of the actions of a few children touring Washington D.C during Memorial Day. When asked what the holiday signaled to them, they exclaimed that it was merely “the day the pools open.” As a resident of Southern California, it seems perverse to me that pool hours are regulated during any season of the year; but alas, for citizens of less temperate environments in the country, Memorial Day has become synonymous with the onset of previously unseen sunshine.
To reestablish the original intent of the holiday, the “National Moment of Remembrance” was established, in order to reclaim the sacred purpose of “Memorial Day.” In 1999, President Clinton commented on the designation of 3PM as an ideal time for remembrance, while most Americans, in every time zone, are making the most of the freedoms they enjoy. He stated: “As we contemplate the comforts and blessings of our lives and the well-being of our nation, I ask you to pause just for a moment to remember those who gave their lives to protect the values that give meaning to our lives.”
Contemporary Significance
Today, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for military personnel who have died in the line of duty. It is observed with ceremonies at cemeteries and memorials, the decoration of graves, and various events honoring veterans. In addition to its solemn character, it has also become associated with the start of the summer season in the United States, marked by family gatherings, barbecues, and other festivities. Balancing both remembrance and the joys of life reflects the complex nature of this national holiday.
