By Your Accidental Journalist
The Origins of Memorial Day
Memorial Day traces its roots to the years following the Civil War, the deadliest conflict in American history. With more than 600,000 soldiers lost, communities across the country began holding tributes and decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers, wreaths, and flags.
The holiday was originally known as “Decoration Day.” One of the earliest widely recognized observances occurred on May 30, 1868, when General John A. Logan, leader of a Union veterans organization, called for a nationwide day of remembrance. Flowers were pla...