by Cynthia Ruff

Created on: June 06, 2010   Last Updated: April 02, 2011

Decoration Day (i.e., Memorial Day) began during the tumultuous years of the Civil War (i.e., 1861-1865).  In those days is was not a legal public holiday nor was it celebrated on the last Monday of May.  In 1890, however, it did become a legal holiday and in 1971 Congress made the decision that it would be observed on the last Monday of May.  It would not be until 1996 that Congress officially began to promote activities such as parades and the responsibility of educating children about the day’s meaning.  Another landmark change came on December 28, 2000 when Congress deemed 3:00 p.m. on Memorial Day as the National Moment of Remembrance.

It began as a day when family, friends, and perhaps even strangers would decorate the graves of the fallen Civil War soldiers.  Interestingly, after this war, Decoration Day, especially in the South, was observed and celebrated more than the Fourth of July.  This may have been due to the heavy losses experienced by the South during that war.  The next significant change to this day would come after Word War I (i.e., WWI) when it was designated a day in which to honor all American servicemen and women from all wars. 

By the late Twentieth Century and into the Twenty-first Century, national celebrations were broadcast.  The most elaborate, for example, takes place in Washington, D.C.  It not only showcases Memorial Day but the entire weekend prior to it with a parade and patriotic music.  Celebrities, dignitaries, and living servicemen and women give speeches and tell stories about the brave, the fearless, and the deceased.  The United States President, or a representative, lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery.  Prayers and songs are dedicated to the living and the dead.  In towns and cities across the nation, Veterans’ groups (i.e., Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legions, Vietnam Veterans of America), visit cemeteries and place small American flags at the gravesite of every veteran who served during peace time or war.  Many communities have parades or celebrations and the names of those veterans who have died in the past year are read.

In conclusion, the biggest change has been how the day has evolved from just honoring and decorating the graves of fallen soldiers from one war to honoring all deceased veterans and service members who have ever served in the armed forces.

Resources:

Henderson, H. (2006). Patriotic Holidays of the United States.  Detroit: Omnigraphics Inc.

Learn more about this author, Cynthia Ruff.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.