Memorial Day - a History

Memorial Day is one of the oldest American Holidays.  It is similar to Veterans' Day in that it honors those killed in battle.

During the American Civil War, Abraham Lincoln addressed a crowd gathered on a battlefield near Gettysburg , Pennsylvania on November 19th 1863. 

Abraham Lincoln dedicated part of the battlefield as a cemetery to honor the tens of thousands who had died in the conflict.

"That from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause which they gave the last full measure of devotion...that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom..."

This speech later came to be known as the "Gettysburg Address" and in a way it was the first ever Memorial Day.

It took five years for Memorial Day to be formally recognized when General Logan declared on May 5, 1868 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.

The custom of observing Memorial Day had spread across much of America by the early 1900's and it soon came to encompass all those who had died - including those in World War I.

Each year, people congregate at Arlington National Cemetery and lay wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a mini American flag is placed at each grave.  The President or Vice-President usually makes a speech.

Perhaps due to the similarity with Veteran's Day, many people feel that Memorial Day has lost some of its significance.  In 1971 Congress voted for the day to be made into a long weekend and ever since it has been associated with barbeques and shopping.