Memorial Day–the federal holiday in which we honor our veterans and remember those who died while in the armed services–originated in the aftermath of the Civil War. On both sides of that conflict, north and south, families and brothers-in-arms of the fallen came together in grassroots commemorations to lay flowers on the graves of the dead, in honor of their sacrifice. This day of remembrance was initially known as Decoration Day.
The national observance of Decoration Day, in part, is traced to an order by Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, the commander in chief of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), a fraternal organization of Civil War Union veterans. On May 5, 1868, Logan instructed members of the GAR that:
The 30th Day of May, 1868 is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in the defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land.
Over the years, the meaning of Decoration Day evolved, gradually expanding from a commemoration of Civil War dead, into a day to honor fallen members of the American armed forces from all wars. In 1888, an American diplomatic delegation to Mexico visited Mexico City National Cemetery on Decoration Day. The delegation laid flowers at the Soldiers’ monument marking the graves of American troops who died in the Mexican war, in one of the earliest observances at a site that would eventually be maintained by the ABMC.
As the meaning of Decoration Day evolved, so did the name. By the late 19th century, many Americans were using the term Memorial Day.
Thanks, Ed, for stirring fond memories of my maternal grandfather’s farm on GAR in Swansea. Tony DiResto owned 7 acres right on Rt. 6 from 1945 for about 10 years. Growing up on Rill Street next to the U.S. Rubber Company, I remember our visits to “the farm” with great pleasure, especially the open spaces and clean air. The DiResto clan would convene at the farm in summers to help with the planting, harvesting, and selling of fruits and vegetables in his road-side stand. I even got to drive his tractor! For my puny efforts, Gramp always took care of his grandson when the summer was over. But the greatest treat was when he took the whole bunch of us to either Crescent Park or Rocky Point for an authentic New England shore dinner. Lovely memories indeed. And somehow, we all knew what the GAR Highway stood for! Ron DiPippo
Ed, your presentations are always well researched and well presented. Let's all remember what has made America the great country it is today from the terrible Civil war that made us whole to Rosie the riveter and all that served to keep us safe.
Ed thanks for sharing this wonderful Story. I do remember the GAR Highway.
Memorial Day holds a Special place in my Heart. I have an uncle that served in World War 1 and 2. I have a cousin who is a Navy Veteran. My only brother was a Korean war Veteran, passing away in 2017.
It was very interesting to reas read about the history of the GAR and the founding organization. It was, ind some ways, a reminder of how quickly some of our nation's history is forgotten. When something historic happens it is assumed by all at the time that the event will never be forgotten. Sadly most alive today, myself included, can barely recall the names of the original seven US Astronauts from the 1960s.
It seems appropriate on this Memorial Day to refresh our thoughts on the beginning and origin of a holiday such as this. We are here today because of what happened yesterday. JC Yuill
I really enjoyed your comments, Dr. Ed. I am not sure if it was mentioned that Memorial Day riots were to commemorate the North dead after the Civil War ended. Over time, they, whoever “they” are, decided to take include the Confederate dead as well. They were all American…..
Now, Memorial Day is to remember all U.S. soldiers killed in all wars we were involved in.
I really enjoy your writings…..be well and take care…keep writing….
Memorial Day–the federal holiday in which we honor our veterans and remember those who died while in the armed services–originated in the aftermath of the Civil War. On both sides of that conflict, north and south, families and brothers-in-arms of the fallen came together in grassroots commemorations to lay flowers on the graves of the dead, in honor of their sacrifice. This day of remembrance was initially known as Decoration Day.
The national observance of Decoration Day, in part, is traced to an order by Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, the commander in chief of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), a fraternal organization of Civil War Union veterans. On May 5, 1868, Logan instructed members of the GAR that:
The 30th Day of May, 1868 is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in the defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land.
Over the years, the meaning of Decoration Day evolved, gradually expanding from a commemoration of Civil War dead, into a day to honor fallen members of the American armed forces from all wars. In 1888, an American diplomatic delegation to Mexico visited Mexico City National Cemetery on Decoration Day. The delegation laid flowers at the Soldiers’ monument marking the graves of American troops who died in the Mexican war, in one of the earliest observances at a site that would eventually be maintained by the ABMC.
As the meaning of Decoration Day evolved, so did the name. By the late 19th century, many Americans were using the term Memorial Day.
Marvelous. Thank you for sharing this important history that we must never forget, Jim
Thanks, Ed, for stirring fond memories of my maternal grandfather’s farm on GAR in Swansea. Tony DiResto owned 7 acres right on Rt. 6 from 1945 for about 10 years. Growing up on Rill Street next to the U.S. Rubber Company, I remember our visits to “the farm” with great pleasure, especially the open spaces and clean air. The DiResto clan would convene at the farm in summers to help with the planting, harvesting, and selling of fruits and vegetables in his road-side stand. I even got to drive his tractor! For my puny efforts, Gramp always took care of his grandson when the summer was over. But the greatest treat was when he took the whole bunch of us to either Crescent Park or Rocky Point for an authentic New England shore dinner. Lovely memories indeed. And somehow, we all knew what the GAR Highway stood for! Ron DiPippo
Just a wonderful story, Ron. Thank you for sharing it. Kinda wish I were there
Ed, your presentations are always well researched and well presented. Let's all remember what has made America the great country it is today from the terrible Civil war that made us whole to Rosie the riveter and all that served to keep us safe.
Happy Memorial Day to all!
I agree, Peter. Thanks for your comments
Enjoyed this very much. I certainly learned a lot from reading it.
Thanks, Colleen
Thanks for sharing!!
Ed thanks for sharing this wonderful Story. I do remember the GAR Highway.
Memorial Day holds a Special place in my Heart. I have an uncle that served in World War 1 and 2. I have a cousin who is a Navy Veteran. My only brother was a Korean war Veteran, passing away in 2017.
Thank you, Ruthie. Yes, it is remarkable and, unfortunately, few people know of it. You have a wonderful and proud Memorial Day legacy.
It was very interesting to reas read about the history of the GAR and the founding organization. It was, ind some ways, a reminder of how quickly some of our nation's history is forgotten. When something historic happens it is assumed by all at the time that the event will never be forgotten. Sadly most alive today, myself included, can barely recall the names of the original seven US Astronauts from the 1960s.
It seems appropriate on this Memorial Day to refresh our thoughts on the beginning and origin of a holiday such as this. We are here today because of what happened yesterday. JC Yuill
Thanks to those boys, John. we should never forget. But, unfortunately, as you noted, we do . . .
Thanks, Ed. Well done.
Thank you, Don
Whether your stories are short or long, I enjoy everyone of them.
Thank you, Mike
I really enjoyed your comments, Dr. Ed. I am not sure if it was mentioned that Memorial Day riots were to commemorate the North dead after the Civil War ended. Over time, they, whoever “they” are, decided to take include the Confederate dead as well. They were all American…..
Now, Memorial Day is to remember all U.S. soldiers killed in all wars we were involved in.
I really enjoy your writings…..be well and take care…keep writing….
Thank you, Ed
Appropriate, informative and charming as unusual. Thanks ,
Paul
Thanks, Paul