Memorial Day History

Memorial Day honors the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It originated after World War I as a way to remember those who gave their lives for their country . The first Memorial Day, then known as Decoration Day, was observed on May 30, 1868 . In 1971, Congress declared Waterloo, New York the "birthplace of Memorial Day" after discovering that the city had been holding an annual memorial service since 1868 . The holiday has evolved over time to include honoring those who died in other wars and conflicts, including World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf Wars . Today, Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials, attending parades, and honoring their fallen heroes with speeches, wreath-layings, and moments of silence .