As most people know, Memorial Day occurs this year on Monday, May 31. Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, was/is a holiday to commemorate those who died while serving in the United States military.
In 1868, Decoration Day was established to be celebrated on May 30. In 1968, Memorial Day was moved to the last Monday in May by the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. In 1971, Congress established Memorial Day as an official holiday.
There are many legends as to who, how, and where Memorial Day began, but one of the legends stood out for me because I was not aware of it. (Thanks to Jim for printing this legend out for me.) The legend is that Memorial Day was started by former slaves, who held a ceremony to honor the Union war dead on May 1,1865, in Charleston, South Carolina.
No matter who is credited with initiating Memorial Day, let us remember the Day’s purpose: Memorial Day is a holiday to commemorate those who gave up their lives for our country.
People visit cemeteries or memorials, hold family gatherings, and participate in parades.
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