Memorial Day – if you’re like most Americans you probably think of this day as the beginning of summer. Visions of parades, barbecues, the first open weekend for the community pool or a nearby amusement park. Those certainly pertain to the modern celebration of Memorial Day. Like many other national holidays there’s much more behind its creation than most probably know.
Originally known as Decoration Day, it began as way to pay respects to those who died in the Civil War by placing flowers on their graves. The specific origins of the holiday are somewhat murky. Warrenton, Va, Boalsburg, Pa, and Savanana, Ga held ceremonies marking soldiers’ graves with flowers before the war ended. After the war these traditions continued as small local events, especially in the South. In May of 1865 a large group of children and freedmen held a ceremony in Charleston, SC. Their marking of the death and burial in unmarked graves of hundreds of Union soldiers in a Confederate prison received national attention.
That coverage and the popularity of the ceremonies – nearly everyone knew someone who died in the war – created a groundswell. The localized events quickly coalesced into more widespread ceremonies. Additionally, the federal government commissioned the first of the now 147 national cemeteries (complete list). In 1868, the Grand Army of the Republic, a veterans’ organization for Union soldiers, organized events at 183 cemeteries across 27 states.
By 1890 every northern state had an officially recognized Decoration Day. Similar support for fallen soldiers ran through the defeated southern states. Initially mixed with sympathy for the lost war, by the early 20th century it transformed into a patriotic celebration of the ultimate sacrifice made by American soldiers. (unlike Veterans’ Day which celebrates all who serve Memorial Day is specifically for the fallen) By the middle of the century the holiday had become Memorial Day. Universally celebrated on May 30, it remained an unofficial national holiday. In 1967 President Johnson signed a bill creating a National Memorial Day. A year later Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved Memorial Day to the last Monday in May.
Today’s Map
Originally part of a Washington Post animation the map illustrates the battles and number of deaths in the Civil War. It also includes a bar graph along the top showing the deaths during each month of the war.
So whether you’re taking in a picnic, parade, or some other enjoyable event this Memorial Day, please take time to remember those who made the greatest sacrifice.
As always thanks for reading.
Armen
For more information about Memorial Day please visit the US MemorialDay organization.
It has always been absolutely mind boggling to me how many had to die because of the Civil War. Your message is a great reminded for us to always be grateful for what we have. Thanks.
War is indeed a nasty business, and for some reason civil wars seem to be bloodier than most.