Memorial Day, A Time to Reflect
The observance of Memorial Day serves as a day to remember the profound sacrifices made for the preservation of liberty and the principles on which America was founded. This solemn day, rooted deeply in American history and tradition, is far more than a mere three-day weekend; it is a time for us, as Americans, to reflect on the immense cost of freedom and to honor those who paid the ultimate price.
Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/resource/stereo.1s02968/
The origins of Memorial Day, initially known as Decoration Day, date back to the period following the American Civil War. During this time, communities across America began decorating the graves of fallen soldiers. One of the earliest widespread observances took place on May 5, 1866, in Waterloo, New York, where citizens honored the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers and flags. [1]
Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th President of the United States of America, in a Memorial Day proclamation for “prayer [to the Almighty] and permanent peace,” declared the events in Waterloo as the beginning of this tradition.
“By House Concurrent Resolution 587, the Eighty-ninth Congress has officially recognized that the patriotic tradition of observing Memorial Day began one hundred years ago in Waterloo, New York. In conformity with the request contained in that concurrent resolution, it is my privilege to call attention to the centennial observance of Memorial Day in Waterloo, New York, on May 30, 1966.” [2]
On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan, commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, issued General Order No. 11. This decree formally designated May 30th "for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land." Logan's order emphasized not only remembrance but also reconciliation of the republic, stating, "We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. All that the consecrated wealth and taste of the Nation can add to the adornment of these last resting-places of the Nation’s defenders is but a fitting tribute to their memory of her slain defenders." [3]
Public Law 90-363 officially took effect on January 1, 1971, making the last Monday in May, Memorial Day, a national holiday. [4]
In 2000, the National Moment of Remembrance Act designated 3:00 p.m. local time as a minute to join in prayer for America's fallen heroes. [5]
Memorial Day has evolved to honor all those who have died while serving the United States of America. Each generation has answered the call, showing courage and commitment to the ideals expressed in our founding documents. Please take a moment on this Memorial Day to remember with gratitude and reaffirm our commitment to the principles for which so many have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Endnotes
[1] “Memorial Day History - National Cemetery Administration”, accessed May 23, 2025, https://www.cem.va.gov/history/Memorial-Day-history.asp
[2] "Proclamation 3727 - Prayer for Peace, Memorial Day 1966 - The American Presidency Project”, accessed May 23, 2025, https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/proclamation-3727-prayer-for-peace-memorial-day-1966
[3] “Memorial Day Order - National Cemetery Administration”, accessed May 23, 2025, https://www.cem.va.gov/history/memdayorder.asp
[4] “Text - H.R.15951 - 90th Congress (1967-1968): An Act to provide for uniform annual observance”, accessed May 23, 2025, https://www.congress.gov/bill/90th-congress/house-bill/15951/text
[5] “Text - S.3181 - 106th Congress (1999-2000): National Moment of Remembrance”, accessed May 23, 2025, https://www.congress.gov/bill/106th-congress/senate-bill/3181/text
