Memorial Day: From Civil War Remembrance to Long Weekend

Memorial Day: A Look Back at the Holiday's History Millions of Americans will enjoy a long weekend this Memorial Day, but few may know the holiday's origins. The day, initially known as Decoration Day, began in 1868 when a group of veterans proposed decorating the graves of fallen Civil War soldiers with flowers. This tradition, intended to honor the more than 600,000 service members who lost their lives in the conflict, became the first national observance of Memorial Day. The date was later changed to the last Monday of May, creating the three-day weekend we know today. "The move to the last Monday in May cemented the holiday's transformation into a time of remembrance for the fallen," explains a historian. The video also highlights the ongoing debate about the appropriate way to observe Memorial Day. Even in the early years, there was controversy, as President Grover Cleveland was criticized for going fishing on Memorial Day. Despite this, the holiday remains a significant time for reflection and remembrance for many Americans.