Question
Here is the question : WHAT WAS MEMORIAL DAY ORIGINALLY KNOWN AS?
Option
Here is the option for the question :
- VJ Day
- Remembrance Day
- Decoration Day
- Armistice Day
The Answer:
And, the answer for the the question is :
Explanation:
On May 5, 1868, General John Logan advocated for a national day of memorial for those who died in the service of the United States. The habit of decorating soldiers’ graves with flowers inspired the holiday’s original name. 20,000 graves of Arlington National Cemetery were decorated on the inaugural Decoration Day.
THE ORIGINS OF MEMORIAL DAY: FROM DECORATION DAY TO A DAY OF REMEMBRANCE
Memorial Day, a solemn holiday observed in the United States, is a time for reflection and remembrance of those who have sacrificed their lives in service to their country. It is a day when Americans honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom. But did you know that Memorial Day was not always known by this name? Originally, it was called Decoration Day—a day when the nation came together to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers. Let’s delve into the origins of Memorial Day and the evolution of this meaningful commemoration.
The roots of Memorial Day can be traced back to the aftermath of the American Civil War, one of the bloodiest conflicts in the nation’s history. As the war came to an end in 1865, the country was left grappling with the immense loss of life and the need to honor the fallen soldiers. In various communities across the United States, people began to gather to pay tribute to the soldiers buried in local cemeteries.
The practice of decorating the graves of fallen soldiers soon gained momentum and became known as Decoration Day. The name “Decoration Day” itself reflects the original purpose of the holiday—to adorn the graves with flowers, flags, and other symbols of remembrance. It was a time for mourning, reflection, and expressing gratitude for the sacrifices made by the brave individuals who gave their lives in service to the nation.
The first widely recognized observance of Decoration Day took place on May 30, 1868, at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. General John A. Logan, the commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union veterans, issued a proclamation designating this day as a time for strewing flowers on the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers. The choice of May 30th was deliberate, as it was not associated with any particular battle and allowed for the blooming of spring flowers.
Over time, Decoration Day extended beyond the Civil War to honor fallen soldiers from other conflicts as well. The holiday provided a means for communities to come together and express their collective grief and appreciation for the sacrifices made by servicemen and women. It became an important opportunity to teach younger generations about the true cost of freedom and the importance of honoring those who had given their lives in its defense.
In 1971, Decoration Day officially became known as Memorial Day when it was established as a federal holiday. The change in name reflected the broader purpose of the holiday—to remember and honor all American military personnel who had died in service. With the passage of the National Holiday Act, Memorial Day was set as the last Monday in May, creating a long weekend that allowed for extended observances and activities.
Memorial Day is observed with a variety of traditions and ceremonies. Across the nation, people gather in cemeteries and memorial parks to decorate graves with flags and flowers. Parades, patriotic concerts, and solemn ceremonies are held to honor the fallen. Many individuals also take the opportunity to visit memorials and monuments dedicated to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
While Memorial Day has evolved over time, its essence remains the same—to pay tribute to the men and women who gave their lives in service to their country. It serves as a reminder of the profound debt of gratitude owed to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, ensuring the freedoms and liberties enjoyed by all Americans.
Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, has a rich history rooted in the aftermath of the Civil War. What began as a solemn occasion to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers has evolved into a national holiday dedicated to honoring all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. As we observe Memorial Day, let us remember and express gratitude for the brave men and women who selflessly gave their lives, and let us strive to keep their memory and legacy alive in our hearts and actions.