When Was Decoration Day Changed To Memorial Day?
Decoration Day, now known as Memorial Day, has a rich history dating back to the American Civil War. The observance of a day to honor the fallen soldiers of the war began spontaneously in various communities across the country. However, it was not until 1868 that General John A. Logan, the commander of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), issued General Order No. 11, officially designating May 30th as Decoration Day.
The choice of May 30th was not arbitrary. It was selected because it was not the anniversary of any particular battle, ensuring that it would be a day of remembrance for all who had fallen during the war. On that first Decoration Day, ceremonies were held in cemeteries across the country, with people decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and flags.
Over the following decades, Decoration Day became a widely observed holiday. However, it was not until 1971 that Congress passed an act establishing Memorial Day as a federal holiday. The act, signed into law by President Richard Nixon, officially changed the name of the holiday from Decoration Day to Memorial Day and set its observance on the last Monday in May.
The reason for the name change was to broaden the scope of the holiday, recognizing not just those who died in the Civil War but all Americans who have died in military service. This change was in keeping with the growing national sentiment that Memorial Day should be a day to honor all those who have sacrificed their lives for their country.
Today, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance and reflection, when we honor the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It is a day to remember their sacrifice and to express our gratitude for the freedoms they have secured for us.
As we approach Memorial Day, let us take time to remember the fallen and to honor their memory. Let us also reflect on the sacrifices made by their families and loved ones. And let us recommit ourselves to working for a world where peace prevails and no more lives are lost in war.
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When Was Decoration Day Changed To Memorial
