HOW DECORATION DAY EVOLVED INTO MEMORIAL DAY: A BRIEF HISTORY


By bblouin
Decoration Day graphic showing the holiday's origin.

The American Civil War was a horrific conflict that literally tore our nation apart. Beyond the actual deaths that would occur, there were several atrocities that surround the event but the outcome would produce many things of merit. For starters, the country would become one again. And, slavery was finally abolished. However, when it comes to outcomes for the military community, Decoration Day stands out as a notable creation that we still honor today. But over the years the holiday has evolved and is now what we know as Memorial Day.

What Is Decoration Day?

Decoration Day was the original name for Memorial Day. It honors those that gave their lives during the American Civil War. When it was all said and done, at least 620,000 fighters were lost. Such monumental loss amid additional tensions is what started Decoration Day history. It’s less about Decoration Day vs Memorial Day, and actually the story of how a modern holiday honoring those who gave their lives originated. General John A. Logan proclaimed the first major observance in honor of those who died in the Civil War. This proclamation became the first Decoration Day with people decorating graves with flowers. General James Garfield spoke at the Arlington National Cemetery, after 5,000 participants decorated the graves of over 20,000 Civil War Soldiers. Local observances inspired the 1868 celebration, and several cities would go on to claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. However, in 1966, under President Lyndon B. Johnson, Waterloo, NY, was declared the official birthplace. This was due to its consistent, annual, community-wide event of decorating Soldiers' graves with flowers and flags. Memorial Day grew in popularity in the late 19th century. After World War I, it expanded to honor all fallen troops. Today, Arlington National Cemetery holds a ceremony where every grave gets a small American flag. The President or Vice President gives a speech, lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and over 5,000 people attend the event. Some Southern states also observe Confederate Memorial Day to honor Confederate fighters. From 1868 to 1970, Decoration Day was celebrated on May 30th every year, but this would change when the holiday formally became Memorial Day. Since then, Memorial Day is the final Monday in the month of May each year.

James Garner Stars in a Hallmark Drama of the Same Name

The Decoration Day movie starring James Garner, Judith Ivy, Ruby Dee, Bill Cobbs, Laurence Fishburne, and many more, tells the story of a man with a chip on his shoulder that is forced to reconnect with the community in order to help a friend. Refusing to accept his Congressional Medal of Honor for bravery in World War II, Gee Pennywell (Cobbs) gets a visit from Albert Sidney Finch (Garner) as various personal dramas play out amidst the despite to accept the award. This 1990 drama shares the name of the holiday that would become Memorial Day. However, the term would have been appropriate for a WWII Veteran decades ago. Of course, it still is, but for several decades, the name has officially made the switch. It has evolved into the weekend we all know today.

When Did Decoration Day Become Memorial Day?

Decoration Day history shows that Memorial Day was birthed from its predecessor in 1971. This would come after Memorial Day would gain the status of a national holiday from Congress. Its annual designation is the last Monday in May. What it’s called is far less important than what it represents. The gesture of honor that would start as Decoration Day would become Memorial Day, but the idea remains the same. It’s a time of reflection, thankfulness, and honor toward those that have laid their lives down so that we may live in freedom. Related reads:


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