Originally called “Decoration Day”, Memorial Day was established to honor fallen soldiers who died during the Civil War by decorating their graves with flowers. It was established by General John A. Logan, the leader of the Grand Army of the Republic, a Union veteran organization. 

It was first officially celebrated on May 30, 1868, at Arlington National Cemetery, where speeches were made by James A. Garfield, the future 20th U.S. President, and over 2o,ooo graves were decorated. However, the first recognized Memorial Day was observed on May 1, 1865, in Charleston, South Carolina, to honor Union prisoners who died at a racetrack prison.  

Following World War 1 in 1914 to 1918, the day was expanded to honor all American military personnel who died in all wars. Decoration Day official become Memorial Day in 1971, having been established as a federal holiday. It was formally codified in 1967, with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 moving the observation day from May 30th to the last Monday of May.  

As of 2026, Memorial Day is celebrated on May 25th.