Memorial Day: From Civil War Origins to National Remembrance

Originally called Decoration Day, the holiday honors all U.S. military members who have died in service.

Memorial Day was first observed as Decoration Day on May 30, 1868, at Arlington National Cemetery.
The holiday was initially created to honor Civil War soldiers but expanded after World War I to include all American war fatalities.
In 1971, Memorial Day was established as a federal holiday to be observed on the last Monday of May.
The National Moment of Remembrance Act of 2000 encourages a minute of silence at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day.
Local traditions, such as parades and grave decorations, continue to be a key part of the holiday's observance.