History of Memorial Day in Timeline

Memorial Day is a U.S. federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May, dedicated to honoring and mourning military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It marks a day of remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Additionally, it is widely considered the unofficial start of the summer season in the United States.

1904: History of the 148th Pennsylvania Volunteers

In 1904, the History of the 148th Pennsylvania Volunteers was printed. It contains the first published reference to the decoration of soldiers' graves in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania on July 4, 1864.

1906: Article on first Civil War soldier's grave decoration

In 1906, an article in the Richmond Times-Dispatch stated that Warrenton, Virginia, was the location of the first Civil War soldier's grave to be decorated on June 3, 1861. It was for John Quincy Marr's funeral.

1911: Opposition to Indianapolis Motor Speedway race

In 1911, the scheduling of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway car race was vehemently opposed due to its conflict with Memorial Day.

1913: Memorial Day Rituals

By 1913, the theme of American nationalism shared equal time with the Confederate during Memorial Day rituals, which had evolved into a symbol of cultural renewal and conservatism in the South.

1913: Complaints about the purpose of Memorial Day

In 1913, complaints arose from an Indiana veteran about the younger generation forgetting the purpose of Memorial Day, turning it into a day for games instead of remembrance.

1913: "Blue-Gray Reunion" in the National Capital

In 1913, the four-day "Blue-Gray Reunion" featured parades, re-enactments, and speeches from dignitaries, including President Woodrow Wilson, and James Heflin of Alabama gave the main address on Memorial Day.

1915: "In Flanders Fields" Poem Written

In 1915, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae wrote the poem "In Flanders Fields," which referred to the poppies growing among the soldiers' graves.

1916: Confederate Memorial Day Celebrations

By 1916, ten states celebrated Confederate Memorial Day on June 3, Jefferson Davis's birthday, while other states chose late April dates or May 10, commemorating Davis' capture.

1920: Poppy Adopted as Official Symbol

In 1920, the National American Legion adopted the poppy as its official symbol of remembrance, inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields."

1923: Governor McCray Vetoes Bill

In 1923, the state legislature rejected holding the Indianapolis 500 on Memorial Day, but Governor Warren McCray vetoed the bill, allowing the race to continue.

May 26, 1966: Waterloo, NY Designated Birthplace

On May 26, 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson designated Waterloo, New York, as the "official" birthplace of Memorial Day by signing a presidential proclamation.

1967: "Memorial Day" becomes official name

In 1967, "Memorial Day" was declared the official name by federal law.

June 28, 1968: Uniform Monday Holiday Act Passed

On June 28, 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, moving Memorial Day from its traditional May 30 date to the last Monday in May.

1971: Congress Standardized Memorial Day

In 1971, Congress standardized the holiday as "Memorial Day" and changed its observance to the last Monday in May, moving it from the traditional May 30 date.

1971: Uniform Monday Holiday Act Effective

In 1971, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved Memorial Day to the last Monday in May, took effect at the federal level.

2000: National Moment of Remembrance Act

In 2000, Congress passed the National Moment of Remembrance Act, asking people to stop and remember at 3:00 pm on Memorial Day. The flag is raised and lowered to half-staff until noon and then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day.