Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service to our country. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers.

During the first national celebration, General James Garfield  made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants  helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate  soldiers who were buried there. This event was inspired by local observances of  the day that had taken place in several towns throughout America in the three  years since the Civil War. By the late 1800s, many more cities and communities  had begun to observe Memorial Day, and after World War I, it became an occasion  for honoring those who had died in all America’s wars.

Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery each year with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Traditionally, the President or Vice President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.