Memorial Day, or Decoration Day, was declared a nationwide observance in 1868 in General Order 11 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. In this document it was directed that "The 30th day of May 1868 is designate 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, church yard in the land." (Logan Family Papers in the Library of Congress.)
The first Memorial/Decoration Day was celebrated on May 30th, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. As with many things, it was not an original idea. In issuing this order General Logan knowingly or unknowingly emulated a custom established long before. Over 2,500 years ago the Greeks were honoring fallen community heroes by placing garlands of flowers on their graves.
Congress, with The National Holiday Act of 1971, made Memorial Day into a 3-day holiday, although many felt it distracted people from the original spirit and meaning of the day. It became a time for camping and BBQ's, beginning the summer, instead of a day for honoring fallen heroes.
On May 2, 2000, President William Clinton declared a National Moment of Remembrance, which was to occur at 3 p.m. (local time) on each Memorial Day. Legislation had been introduced in 1999 to move the observance back to the actual May 30th date, but was referred to committee and didn't actually reach a vote. President Clinton's declaration may have been an attempt to refocus our attention, but it's hard to compete with a 3-day weekend.
So as we enjoy our camping and barbecues and family parties this weekend, I hope we keep in mind the reason we have the freedom to celebrate this way. I hope we remember the original intent and honor our fallen heroes, at least in our thoughts.
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