Decoration Day was established as a time for those in the United States to decorate the graves of those who had fallen during the Civil War with flowers. How this came to be was on May 5, 1868, Decoration Day was established by Union Veterans, also known as the Grand Army of the Republic. Also, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.”(Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs. “Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs.”). The end of the 19th century saw May 30th of every year now being the official date for Memorial Day thanks to state legislators passing proclamations that designate the day. This also caused both the Army & navy to have proper observance at their facilities. After World War 1, the celebration of the day was expanded to include honouring those who’ve died in all wars. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial day a national holiday that would happen on the last Monday in May every year.
Work Cited:“History of Memorial Day.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, www.pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert/memorial-day/history/. History.com Editors. “Memorial Day.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 27 Oct. 2009, www.history.com/topics/holidays/memorial-day-history. Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs. “Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs.” VA.gov, 18 Mar. 2006, www.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday/history.asp.