Memorial Day: Facts and Origins

Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed annually in the United States on the last Monday of May in remembrance of 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 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. 
• 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, 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.

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