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 defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet church-yard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.

JOHN A. LOGAN, Commander-in-Chief, May 5, 1868

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day...a day to decorate the graves of those who fought in the Civil, Revolutionary and other wars.

In 1971, Memorial Day was declared an official holiday that would take place on the last Monday in May.