Because we’re insatiable curiosity seekers here at Blue Wagon Group, the approaching long holiday weekend caused us to contemplate just how, where and when Memorial Day celebrations began in our great United States of America. Surely, it’s more than picnics and parades.
Turns out that on May 5, 1868, three years after the Civil War concluded, “Decoration Day” was established by the head of Grand Army of the Republic. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared the nation should decorate the graves of those who died in the line of duty with flowers on May 30. It’s commonly believed that date made sense since spring flowers would be in bloom across the country at that point.
That year, the first large observance was held at Arlington National Cemetery. In 1873, New York was the first state to recognize Decoration Day and, by 1890, all other Union states recognized the holiday.
Accounts vary however, and many other cities and states claim ties to the Memorial Day origins including Columbus, Miss., Macon and Columbus, Ga., Boalsburg, Pa., and Carbondale, Ill. By the end of the 19th century Memorial Day celebrations were common through the United States; state legislatures made proclamations, the Army and Navy observed the day, businesses closed, and resident flew flags at half-staff and had individual celebrations.
In 1971 Congress enacted Memorial Day as a national holiday and placed it on the last Monday in May. It is still often referred to as Decoration Day and ceremonies in military cemeteries and other places properly honor our nation’s heroes who gave their all.
Freedom, in fact, is not free. We are all indebted to those we honor this upcoming long weekend, for Memorial Day carries far more weight than merely picnics and parades. The Blue Wagon team offers our celebratory and humble appreciation.