If Memorial Day creeps up on you every year, you're not alone! But the early summer celebration has less to do with partying over the three-day weekend than you might think. But why do we celebrate Memorial Day, anyway? Let's take a look back through American history to uncover its roots.聽
Why Do We Celebrate Memorial Day?聽
Much like other named days on the calendar, we celebrate Memorial Day because it's a national holiday. But you have General John Logan to thank for being the 19th-century mastermind behind this commemorative celebration.聽
General John Logan, the National Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, declared the聽 (first known as Decoration Day) on May 5, 1868.聽He wanted people to commemorate the day by placing flowers on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
General Logan's stated,聽"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."
How Memorial Day Charged聽Through the Decades聽
Historically, Memorial Day was observed on May 30th, but it was later moved to the last Monday in聽May to make it a three-day weekend. Curiously,聽Memorial Day wasn't made a federal holiday until聽1971.
Just five years prior to being adopted as a federal holiday, Waterloo, New York, received the honor of being Memorial Day's designated birthplace. While Waterloo was only recognized in 1966, the聽town has been celebrating fallen soldiers every year since at least 1866.聽Businesses would close up shop for the day, and the city residents would decorate the graves of soldiers who had passed with flowers and flags in a tradition that would extend across the country in the decades that followed.聽
A National Moment of Remembrance was implemented in聽2000 in the hopes of recentering the public conversation around the holiday to the fallen soldiers.聽The resolution asked聽Americans to have a moment of silence on Memorial Day at 3 p.m. local time.
Some Southern states didn't celebrate Memorial Day on May 5, 1868 until after WWI, favoring other days on the calendar.聽
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7 Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day's True Meaning
Understanding what you're celebrating on Memorial Day might spur some new reverent activities and commemorative celebrations. Not sure how you want to honor the holiday this year? Let these common ways that people聽incorporate remembrance into their celebrations inspire your own.聽
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Visit a Memorial Day Parade
A Memorial Day parade filled with decorative floats, charitable booths, and good food is a common Memorial Day tradition for many towns across the United States. If, by chance, your city or town doesn't have an annual Memorial Day parade, you might want to convene with your city council about setting one up. You can contact local businesses for sponsorships and invite school bands, local sports organizations, and cheerleaders to participate.聽
Community celebrations have to start somewhere, and yours could start with you!
Host a Memorial Day Party聽
Keep in mind, Memorial Day doesn't have to be entirely聽solemn.聽You can still attend or host a barbecue, go to the beach, have a picnic, or take part in other Memorial Day festivities. These activities serve as a celebration of聽the camaraderie of your community and the people who help protect it.聽
Complete Acts of Service
Memorial Day isn't just about honoring the dead, but also uplifting the living. From compiling care packages to writing letters to the troops, there are so many ways to give back.聽
Take a Virtual Tour of the Capital
Get a feel for the Federalist style that inspires so much of the country's architecture by taking an interactive, virtual tour of the Nation's capital! is one great website that provides an in-depth look at many of the culturally significant spots littered throughout the U.S. capital.聽
Curate a Patriotic Playlist聽
Liven up your Memorial Day BBQ with some patriotic music. From traditional songs like This Land Is Your Land聽to hits from Stephen Foster's catalog, there are so many songs to choose from!聽
Donate to Charitable Causes聽
From volunteering at a local VA Hospital to donating to larger military-centered non-profits, there are many ways to show your support on Memorial Day.聽
Create a Colorful Tribute
Gather up your own troops (also known as your friends, neighbors, and family) and transform your driveway into a massive American flag! Be sure to have tons of red, white, and blue chalk on hand as well as lots of refreshments.聽
Memorial Day Is Here to Stay!
No two Memorial Day celebrations are alike. Whether you spend Memorial Day at a family gathering, visiting the cemetery or memorial, or volunteering for a veteran's organization, you can rest easy knowing that you're honoring the true sentiment behind the holiday.
