Introduction
The last Monday of May is a day etched in the American consciousness, a moment for backyard barbecues, the unofficial kickoff to summer, and, most importantly, a solemn remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States military. We gather with loved ones, enjoy the freedom they fought to protect, and often fly flags as a sign of respect. However, beneath the contemporary celebrations lies a rich history, a narrative woven with threads of grief, healing, and a nation’s slow journey towards unity. While we know it today as Memorial Day, did you know that this day of honor wasn’t always called that? To understand its present significance, we must delve into the past and ask: what was Memorial Day originally called?
Originally known as Decoration Day, Memorial Day’s history and evolution reveal a nation grappling with loss and honoring its fallen heroes. This transformation in nomenclature reflects a shifting national identity, a broadening understanding of who deserves our remembrance, and the enduring power of collective mourning. Decoration Day serves as a powerful reminder of the origins of this somber holiday.
The Genesis of Decoration Day
The seeds of what we now know as Memorial Day were sown in the fertile soil of post-Civil War America. The conflict, a brutal and devastating clash between North and South, left an indelible scar on the nation. The sheer scale of loss was unprecedented. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers perished, leaving behind grieving families, shattered communities, and a nation struggling to heal. The Civil War’s aftermath demanded a means of acknowledging this immense sacrifice, a way to provide solace and closure to those who had lost so much.
In the immediate wake of the war, spontaneous acts of remembrance began to emerge, primarily in the South. Women, often leading the charge, organized efforts to tend to the graves of Confederate soldiers. They adorned the final resting places of these fallen men with flowers, wreaths, and other tokens of respect. Cities like Columbus, Georgia, and Macon, Georgia, often lay claim to being the true birthplace of these early observances, a testament to the deep-seated grief and desire to honor the Confederate dead. This act of decorating graves was not merely a superficial gesture, but a deeply personal and symbolic expression of mourning and patriotism.
These early commemorations were not confined to the Confederacy. Throughout the country, families and communities began to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers, both Union and Confederate, recognizing the shared human cost of the war. Regardless of which side someone fought on, all the fallen soldiers were people who had families and loved ones who missed them. However, the practice gained widespread recognition and momentum in the North, culminating in a pivotal moment that would solidify Decoration Day as a national tradition.
General John Alexander Logan, a prominent Union veteran and commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), played a crucial role in establishing an official day of remembrance. On May fifth, eighteen sixty-eight, Logan issued a proclamation declaring May thirtieth as “Decoration Day.” He chose this date because it was believed not to be the anniversary of any particular battle, ensuring that the focus would remain on honoring all the fallen rather than commemorating a specific victory or defeat. Logan’s proclamation called upon GAR posts across the country to decorate the graves of Union soldiers with flowers and flags, initiating a national tradition of remembrance.
Arlington National Cemetery, hallowed ground where thousands of Union soldiers were buried, served as the focal point for the first official Decoration Day observance. The event was a solemn and moving tribute to the war dead, with speeches, prayers, and the heartfelt decoration of graves. From that day forward, May thirtieth became synonymous with remembrance, a day set aside to honor the sacrifices of those who had fought and died to preserve the Union. The event would mark the beginning of a national holiday dedicated to acknowledging the losses of the Civil War.
The Significance of “Decoration Day”
The name “Decoration Day” itself offers a profound insight into the original purpose and spirit of the holiday. The emphasis was undeniably on the act of decorating, of adorning the graves of fallen soldiers with tangible symbols of remembrance. Flowers, in their ephemeral beauty, represented the fleeting nature of life and the enduring power of memory. Flags, symbols of national pride and unity, served as a constant reminder of the ideals for which these men had fought.
This act of decoration was far from a passive gesture. It was an active and participatory form of remembrance, a way for individuals and communities to engage directly with the memory of the deceased. By tending to the graves of fallen soldiers, citizens could express their gratitude, their grief, and their commitment to preserving the legacy of those who had made the ultimate sacrifice. Decoration Day became a day of pilgrimage, as families and friends traveled to cemeteries to pay their respects and adorn the graves of their loved ones.
The simplicity and universality of the name “Decoration Day” further contributed to its widespread appeal. The concept of decorating graves resonated across social, economic, and regional divides. It was an act of remembrance that anyone could participate in, regardless of their background or political affiliation. Decoration Day provided a common ground for a divided nation, a shared space for mourning, healing, and the reaffirmation of shared values. Every citizen could participate and pay their respects to the fallen heroes.
The Gradual Transformation to “Memorial Day”
While “Decoration Day” remained the official name for many years, the term “Memorial Day” gradually gained traction and popularity. This shift was not sudden or abrupt, but rather a slow and organic process, reflecting evolving attitudes and a broadening understanding of the holiday’s purpose. Some communities and individuals had always preferred the term “Memorial Day”, feeling that it better encapsulated the essence of the occasion: the act of remembering and honoring the deceased.
Several factors contributed to this gradual transition. As time passed, the Civil War receded further into the past, and the holiday became increasingly associated with honoring all American war dead, not just those from the Civil War. The name “Memorial Day” felt more inclusive, encompassing the sacrifices made by soldiers in all conflicts, from the Revolutionary War to the Indian Wars to the Spanish-American War. A more inclusive name was necessary to include soldiers from all conflicts.
Furthermore, the shift towards “Memorial Day” reflected a growing desire for national unity and healing. The Civil War had left deep scars on the American psyche, and the process of reconciliation was long and arduous. By adopting a name that transcended the specific context of the Civil War, Americans could come together to honor the sacrifices of all who had served, regardless of which side they had fought on. The new name would promote national unity and healing.
The process of officially recognizing “Memorial Day” as the official name was a gradual one, with different states adopting the term at different times. It wasn’t until after World War One, a conflict that claimed the lives of millions of Americans, that the term “Memorial Day” gained widespread acceptance and official recognition. Many citizens considered the name “Decoration Day” to be old-fashioned in the wake of the Great War. The federal government eventually formalized the name “Memorial Day” through legislation, solidifying its place in the American lexicon.
Memorial Day in the Modern Era
Today, Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May, a change that was instituted in nineteen seventy-one to create a three-day weekend. While the holiday has undoubtedly evolved over time, its core purpose remains the same: to honor and remember those who died while serving in the United States military.
The holiday is marked by a variety of observances, including flag-raising ceremonies, parades, memorial services, and moments of silence. Arlington National Cemetery remains a focal point for national remembrance, with thousands of visitors flocking to the hallowed grounds to pay their respects. The “National Moment of Remembrance,” established by Congress in two thousand, encourages Americans to pause at three p.m. local time on Memorial Day to reflect on the sacrifices made by the nation’s fallen heroes.
Despite its solemn purpose, Memorial Day is often conflated with other holidays, particularly Veterans Day. While Veterans Day honors all those who have served in the military, living or deceased, Memorial Day is specifically dedicated to those who died in service. This distinction is crucial, and it’s important to remember the true meaning of the holiday.
There are many ways to honor the fallen on Memorial Day. Visiting cemeteries and placing flags on graves, attending Memorial Day events and ceremonies, volunteering at veterans’ organizations, and simply taking a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who died serving our country are all meaningful ways to pay tribute. It is important to show respect for all those that sacrificed their lives.
Conclusion
The journey from Decoration Day to Memorial Day is a testament to the evolving nature of American identity and the enduring power of collective memory. What was Memorial Day originally called? Decoration Day. While the name may have changed, the essence of the holiday remains the same: a solemn and heartfelt tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States. As we gather with friends and family on the last Monday of May, let us remember the true meaning of Memorial Day, and let us never forget the debt we owe to those who gave their lives to protect our freedoms. May we reflect on the sacrifices made by those who died serving in the military.
