A Brief History of Memorial Day

Every year, on the last Monday in May, Americans observe Memorial Day. Originally called “Decoration Day,” Memorial Day is a holiday to commemorate those who died in battle while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Historians traced the origin of Memorial Day back to the American Civil War. The end of fighting brought great relief and peace to many but was also a time of intense grief. Thousands of soldiers lost their lives, and those who survived often returned home to hear that their fathers, brothers and other relatives had been killed. Following the end of the war, people across the US decor...