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For many, Memorial Day brings to mind images of parades and picnics, of barbecues and baseball games. What's sometimes forgotten are the reasons for the holiday: The sacrifices made by American soldiers in times of conflict.

As the United States' death toll passes 1,000 in Afghanistan, Memorial Day takes on an especially poignant meaning this year. Here's a brief look at how the holiday got its start, and how people are searching for ways to honor the brave men and women who have lost their lives.

The first holiday
Originally, the holiday was known as "Decoration Day." It was started by a Civil War general named Gen. John Logan, who was the Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic. General Logan sought a way to help the country come back together after the horrors and divide of the Civil War.

The holiday was first observed on May 30, 1868, and Gen. Logan chose that date for two very important reasons: First, the day did not mark the anniversary of a Civil War battle, and second "flowers would likely be in bloom all over the United States." Indeed, many took flowers to Arlington National Cemetery, an activity that still occurs every year.

More on Gen. John Logan
General John A. Logan has a tremendous legacy that goes well beyond his efforts to honor fallen soldiers. According to a museum dedicated to his memory, Gen. Logan led an inspired life and enjoyed a tremendous career. At different points, he was a United States congressman, a senator, and a candidate for the vice presidency. He and his running mate, James G. Blane, lost their bid, but "Logan’s popularity with veterans contributed to the narrowness of the defeat."
Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on 30 May 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

Picture of Mr.Logan:


An official holiday
This may come as a bit of a surprise, but Memorial Day, despite having been around for over 100 years in one form or another, didn't become an official federal holiday until 1971, when Congress passed the National Holiday Act. This created a three-day weekend at the end of May. Prior to this, different states observed the holiday on different days.

The effect on Web search
Web lookups on "memorial day" and "celebrate memorial day" are both up over 500% during the past seven days. Additionally, queries on "memorial day quotes" and "memorial day history" are soaring, as are searches for "memorial day parades" and "memorial day flowers."

Also worth noting — the "national moment of remembrance." This moment takes place at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day and lasts one minute. According to Remember.gov, "the Moment does not replace traditional Memorial Day events; rather it is an act of national unity in which all Americans, alone or with family and friends, honor those who died for our freedom. It will help to reclaim Memorial Day as the sacred and noble holiday it was meant to be. In this shared remembrance, we connect as Americans."

What is it?
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping" by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication "To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead" (Source: Duke University's Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920). While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established. Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.

If you have a family member or friend currently serving our country or has already done so. Please post below.
Thanks, Cj

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Some people also join because there life means nothing and their bored

Grandfather has fought in previous wars. Now my best friend is in the Marines.

In my opinion, the Iraq war was started for nothing. There was no Weapons of Mass destruction. It was started because George Bush wanted to. I quite frankly can't wait till my cousin comes home.

Thanks man!!! Most people on this forum liked this!

My Great-Grandpa was a German soldier right before WWII, one uncle is vietnam, Granpa in Korean war, cousin stationed in Iraq, and my neighbor was the guy who had the radio in Black Hawk down.

Great thread mate, thanks a lot. This will make a lot of users at ease

My great grandfather fought in World War II in the U.S. Air force, and my great great uncle (both still alive), served in World War II as well. It's definitely interesting hearing all of the stories to tell, and it really gives you an insight on the happenings of the war more than any history book ever can.

Just yesterday I visited a national cemetery, and it really put into perspective the number of people we have defending our nation. So many graves, both from those who died in the war, and war veterans.

This is definitely a good day to have established, because it brings back memories for those who defended the nation, and puts things into perspective for those that have learned about these events in history.

I have a great grandpa from WW2 buried in Arlington.

2 of my Great grandpas(Army),grandpa(Navy),uncle(Air Force),uncle(Marines/Army) and cousin(Army,currently active) have all served in the military.




You don't believe in freeing children and innocent people from lawlessness? Or helping stabilize a country that was once ran by a man who killed THOUSANDS of innocent people?

NOT FOR WEAK HEARTE

Pictures of gas attacked citizens courtesy of Saddam.

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Yeah because these men,women and children didn't need our help.

Nice to see NGU supports America