Celebrate Memorial Day: Facts and Origins

By Marie Cunningham

Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed annually in the United States on the last Monday of May, to remember those who have died in our nation's armed services. Here are a few facts about Memorial Day:

• Memorial Day became an official federal holiday in 1971. 
• The holiday was established on May 5, 1868, by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11. 
• It was first observed May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
• Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day. 
• On the morning of Memorial Day, the American flag is raised briskly to the top of the flag pole, then slowly lowered to half-mast where it stays until noon. At noon the flag is raised to the top of the flag pole once again, and slowly and ceremoniously lowered and removed at the day's end.
• Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, having barbecues and attending parades.