We often associate Memorial Day and Memorial Day Weekend with:

• The start of Summer

• Public swimming pools opening

• Schools breaking for Summer

• Family vacations and backyard barbecues

But do you know how Memorial Day got its start—and what we Americans are truly memorializing?

🎖️ Honoring Fallen Heroes

A national holiday, Memorial Day is a day for honoring and mourning U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

• Originally observed on May 30th from 1868 to 1970

• Since 1971, observed on the last Monday in May

How We Commemorate

To celebrate, many Americans:

• Visit cemeteries and memorials

• Honor fallen service members

• Place American flags on graves in national cemeteries

• Participate in parades or moments of silence

📜 Origins: From Decoration Day to Memorial Day

The first national observance of Memorial Day took place on May 30, 1868, known then as Decoration Day.

• Proclaimed by Commander in Chief John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic

• Intended to honor Union soldiers who died in the Civil War

• Preceded by local observances after the Civil War

🌺 Mary Ann Williams: A Forgotten Founder

While many cities claimed to be first to observe the holiday, the National Cemetery Administration credits:

• Mary Ann Williams with the original idea of strewing Civil War soldiers’ graves with flowers

• She is considered the first proponent of what became Memorial Day

🗓️ Evolving Recognition Across the States

Enjoy Your Memorial Day Weekend!