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[[File:MemorialDay.jpg|right|250px]]

[[File:MemorialDay.jpg|right|250px]]

'''Memorial Day''' previously called ''Decoration Day'' is a day of remembrance for those who have died while serving in the military of the United States.  

'''Memorial Day''' previously called ''Decoration Day'' is a day of remembrance for those who have died while serving in the military of the United States. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of [[Congress]] and the date to observe the holiday was set as the last Monday in May. <ref>http://www1.va.gov/opa/speceven/memday/history.asp#hist</ref>

 

==Origins==

==Origins==

By 1865 the practice of decorating soldiers' graves had become widespread in the North. General John Logan, National Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic--the society of Union Army veterans--called for all GAR posts to celebrate a "Decoration Day" on May 30, 1868. There were events in 183 cemeteries in 27 states in 1868, and 336 in 1869.. The northern states immediately adopted the holiday; Michigan made "Decoration Day" an official state holiday in 1871 and by 1890 every northern states followed suit. The ceremonies were sponsored by the Women's Relief Corps, with 100,000 members.

By 1865 the practice of decorating soldiers' graves had become widespread in the North. General John Logan, National Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic--the society of Union Army veterans--called for all GAR posts to celebrate a "Decoration Day" on May 30, 1868. There were events in 183 cemeteries in 27 states in 1868, and 336 in 1869.. The northern states immediately adopted the holiday; Michigan made "Decoration Day" an official state holiday in 1871 and by 1890 every northern states followed suit. The ceremonies were sponsored by the Women's Relief Corps, with 100,000 members.

==References==

==References==

{{Reflist}}

{{Reflist}}

[[Category: United States Holidays]]

[[Category: United States Holidays]]