GAR Observance of Memorial Day

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service.

Memorial Day was borne out of the Civil War and a desire to honor our dead. It was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. A month after the order was given, Congress established a national day of commemoration and decoration.

After World War I the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war.

Though generations separate us from Logan’s words, his orders speak broadly to all American, and his guidance offers three practical ways for us to observe Memorial Day:

Remember the Fallen, Remember Their Cause, Serve Their Families