Memorial Day
SI Hutch
May 27
On Memorial Day Americans honor the dead (particularly those killed in war) by visiting cemeteries, flying the American flag, and attending special gatherings and church services. Memorial Day became a federal holiday in 1971 and is observed on the last Monday in May. It originated in 1868, when Union General John A. Logan designated a day in which the graves of Civil War soldiers would be decorated. Originally known as Decoration Day, the holiday was changed to Memorial Day within 20 years, becoming a holiday dedicated to the memory of all war dead.