Memorial Day was initially called Decoration Day. Why?

Memorial Day came out of the United States Civil War as a desire to honor the soldiers who died during this war.

General John Logan, who was the national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic officially proclaimed on May 5, in his General Order No 11.:

“The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land,”

This date was chosen because it wasn’t the anniversary of any particular battle.

Memorial Day was initially called Decoration Day because it originated as a day to honor and decorate the graves of soldiers who died during the American Civil War. The practice of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths, and flags became a common tradition after the Civil War as a way for communities to commemorate the sacrifice of fallen soldiers and to express gratitude for their service. Over time, Decoration Day evolved into Memorial Day, which now honors all American military personnel who have died in service to their country, not just those who died in the Civil War.