5 Memorial Day Historic Facts You Might Not Know!

#1 Began in the 1800s

Memorial Day began during the Civil War. Both in the North and South, grieving Americans began decorating the graves of their loved ones. This solemn act quickly spread all throughout the country. There are accounts of southern women decorating the graves of both their beloved Confederate soldiers and barren graves of Union soldiers’ buried far from home.

#2 The Founder: General John Logan 

During the Mexican-American War, John Logan served in the 1st Illinois Volunteer Infantry. 

After the war, in 1858, he entered the political arena serving as a Democrat in the United States House of Representatives. Throughout his service, Logan’s powerful and eloquent speaking skills gained him respect and fame. Unfortunately, the dark clouds of civil unrest began to build within the young country. Slavery sharply divided homes, families, friends, and ultimately the country. As the tension continued to rise, Logan used his respected reputation and gifted skills in persuasion to defend the Union. He successfully shifted many views of his Illinois constituents’ away from secession.

Ultimately, civil war broke out and in 1861, Logan joined the Michigan regiment to fight for the Union. He fought bravely at the First Bull Run proving to be a natural military leader. He went on to serve bravely throughout the entire war and rightly deserves the praise given.

After the war, Logan formed the Grand Army of the Republic and issued Order No. 11 calling for a national day to remember those lost during the Civil War. The order was “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.”

General Logan returned to politics, elected as a Republican to the House of Representatives and the Senate, and later ran for Vice President. 

#3 Originally Named “Decoration Day”

Since Order No. 11 encouraged “strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves” the day was named “Decoration Day.”

#4 The name changed to MEMORIAL DAY 

After World War I, Americans began honoring and remembering ALL fallen heroes on Decoration Day. This day began to be known as Memorial Day. The name was officially changed in the late 1900s.  

#5 A “Floating” Holiday

Memorial Day is considered a “floating holiday” and is celebrated on the last Monday of May. In 1971, President Richard Nixon instituted the day in which Memorial Day is to be celebrated.

* Read PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP’S PROCLAMATION FOR PRAY AND PEACE * 

Each year the President of the United States issues a proclamation for prayer, peace, and remembrance. Attached is the beautiful tribute by President Donald J. Trump. Below are some quotes: 

• “We must safeguard the legacies of our service members so that our children and our grandchildren will understand the sacrifices of our Armed Forces.” 

• “NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Memorial Day, May 28, 2018, as a day of prayer for permanent peace, and I designate the hour beginning in each locality at 11:00 a.m. of that day as a time when people might unite in prayer.

  I further ask all Americans to observe the National Moment of Remembrance beginning at 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day.”

We hope you encouraged this article. Please share with your friends and family, encouraging more to learn about this solemn and honored day!

Please share some of your own memorial day traditions below or feel free to send them directly to me!