What does the "long Memorial Day weekend" commemorate? When and where is it observed, and by whom? Any further details about this holiday would be appreciated.
Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day because the graves of fallen American soldiers were to be decorated with small American flags and flowers on that day.
Following is a bit of history:
Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.
The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.
The ceremonies centered around the mourning-draped veranda of the Arlington mansion, once the home of Gen. Robert E. Lee. Various Washington officials, including Gen. and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant, presided over the ceremonies. After speeches, children from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphan Home and members of the GAR made their way through the cemetery, strewing flowers on both Union and Confederate graves, reciting prayers and singing hymns.
By the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30 throughout the nation. State legislatures passed proclamations designating the day, and the Army and Navy adopted regulations for proper observance at their facilities.
It was not until after World War I, however, that the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress, though it is still often called Decoration Day. It was then also placed on the last Monday in May, as were some other federal holidays.
Some say that the original meaning of the day has been lost because it has become a day or days (if a long weekend) when many Americans take long trips or go shopping.
Thanks a lot, harryvan, most helpful.
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Wow - great answer from Harryvan. I used to love the long weekends around memorial day - lots of great teenage memories although we always seemed to have problems with travel - holidays are great fun. Lets have many more of them please !
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