It comes every May with the promise of good weather, BBQ’s and campaign trips, but what does Memorial really mean?
Some people observe Memorial Day by doing things like visiting the graves of fallen soldiers, while others host a barbecue, shop sales at stores, or go out to eat at restaurants open on Memorial Day. But why do we do these activities, and how did this holiday come to be?
Before the Memorial Day 2023 weekend gets here, let’s freshen up on the holiday’s meaning and history.
When is Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is observed annually on the last Monday in May. In 2023, Memorial Day occurs on Monday, May 29 in 2023.
Is Memorial Day always the last Monday in May?
Yes, Memorial Day always falls on the last Monday in May. In 1971, the date of the holiday was officially changed to the last Monday in May per the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. This act also moved other holidays such as President’s Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day to consistently be on Mondays.
Why do we celebrate Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States in which we honor and mourn members of the military who have passed while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
The history of Memorial Day
Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day began with an idea from General John Logan as a way to honor the fallen soldiers of the Civil War. The first celebration on May 30, 1868, was held at Arlington National Cemetery with a crowd of 5,000 people decorating the graves of over 20,000 military personnel with flowers. Most experts believe General Logan planned the first Decoration Day for that day because Northern and Southern states would have flowers in bloom by then, though others believe the date was ideal because it didn’t coincide with the anniversary of any battles.
Various Washington officials, including General Ulysses S. Grant, presided over the ceremonies. After speeches, children from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphan Home, among others, made their way through the cemetery, strewing flowers on both Union and Confederate graves, reciting prayers, and singing hymns. Many also came prepared with a picnic lunch.
It wasn’t until after World War I that Memorial Day was expanded to honor all veterans who died in any American war. In 1971, Decoration Day became officially known as Memorial Day and Congress passed an act declaring it a national holiday. That same year, Memorial Day was moved from May 30 to the last Monday in May by President Lyndon B. Johnson. “This will…enable families who live some distance apart to spend more time together,” President Johnson noted in his official statement regarding what is now known as the Uniform Monday Holiday Act.
New York was the first state to declare Memorial Day an official holiday, followed by other northern states, but the southern states had their own designated day to honor fallen Confederate soldiers. The observances remained separate until the completion of World War I, when Memorial Day was changed to honoring the fallen Americans who fought in any war. Some southern states continue to honor the Confederate dead: January 19 in Texas; April 26 in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, and Georgia; May 10 in North and South Carolina; and June 3 in Louisiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
Why don’t we say, “Happy Memorial Day”?
While it’s tempting to say, “Happy Memorial Day”, and you may not have ill intent when saying it, it’s important to remember the meaning of the holiday before you say this. Memorial Day is a day to honor those who sacrificed their lives while serving in the military. As the Code of Support Foundation points out, it’s a deeply personal day for many who lost loved ones in the service. Some think saying “Happy Memorial Day” puts the holiday is a more cheerful light, as opposed to the day of honor and remembrance it’s meant to be. Instead of saying “Happy Memorial Day,” the Code of Support Foundation offers an alternative phrase: “I wish you a meaningful Memorial Day.” Either way, all of us should honor any fallen soldier as they gave the ultimate sacrifice without regard for present day politics.
So, this May 29, take a moment between grilling brats and sitting around the campfire to remember those who sacrificed their lives for you to enjoy your freedoms.
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