In 1868, three years after the end of the Civil War, the Grand Army of the Republic established Decoration Day on May 30 as a time to honor those who perished in the conflict by adorning their graves with flowers. In fact, the date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom across the country.
By the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held throughout the nation, although it wasn’t until 1971 that the observance was established as a national holiday and from that point on, Memorial Day was always the last Monday in May.
We wish you a safe holiday weekend as we continue the tradition of honoring those who gave all so we could live in freedom.
