Memorial Day

Memorial Day has it origins in the days after the Civil War, when towns and villages across America mourned the 620,000 soldiers, both Union and Confederate, that died during the War.

Originally called Decoration Day, the first large-scale observance was held on May 30, 1868 in Arlington National Cemetery.

After World War I, when again the country mourned the 116,000 soldiers who died, the holiday was extended to include those who had fallen in all of America's Wars. Memorial Day was declared a national holiday in 1971, and is currently celebrated on the last Monday in May.

In modern times, the decoration of graves is not limited to those who fell in defense of the country: friends and family place flowers at the graves of all their loved ones.

This year's National Memorial Day Ceremony will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on May 29, 2006. The President or his representative will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, followed by patriotic music and remarks in the Memorial Amphitheater.

For a list of ceremonies taking place in National Cemeteries in individual States, Click Here.