1904: Boalsburg's Claim to Memorial Day Origin
A 1904 publication titled "History of the 148th Pennsylvania Volunteers" mentioned the decoration of soldiers' graves in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, on July 4, 1864. This event, described by Mrs. Sophie (Keller) Hall, is cited by Boalsburg as the origin of Memorial Day, although its legitimacy is debated.
1906: First Decoration of a Civil War Soldier's Grave
In 1906, a Richmond Times-Dispatch article cited the decoration of the first Civil War soldier's grave in Warrenton, Virginia, on June 3, 1861. This event marked the funeral of John Quincy Marr, the first soldier killed during the Civil War at the Battle of Fairfax Courthouse.
1911: Opposition to Indianapolis 500 on Memorial Day
The scheduling of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway car race, later known as the Indianapolis 500, on Memorial Day in 1911 faced strong opposition from the aging Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), who saw it as disrespectful to the holiday's solemnity.
1913: Evolution of Confederate Memorial Day Rituals
By 1913, Confederate Memorial Day ceremonies evolved beyond mere remembrance. Historian David Blight argues that they became symbols of Southern cultural renewal and conservatism, with themes of American nationalism gaining equal prominence alongside Confederate tributes.
1913: Blue-Gray Reunion and James Heflin's Speech
In 1913, a four-day "Blue-Gray Reunion" took place in Washington, D.C., featuring parades, reenactments, and speeches by dignitaries including President Woodrow Wilson. Notably, Alabama Senator James Heflin, despite facing criticism for his segregationist views, delivered a well-received speech promoting national unity and goodwill.
1913: Concerns About Commercialization of Memorial Day
In 1913, an Indiana veteran expressed concern about the younger generation's tendency to forget the true meaning of Memorial Day, observing its transformation into a day of leisure and entertainment.
1915: "In Flanders Fields" and the Poppy Symbol
In 1915, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, a Canadian physician, penned the poem "In Flanders Fields" during World War I, referencing the poppies blooming amidst soldiers' graves.
1916: Confederate Memorial Day
By 1916, ten Southern states officially celebrated Confederate Memorial Day. This separate commemoration, often linked to the birthday of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, reflected the ongoing cultural and political divide following the Civil War.
1920: Poppy as a Symbol of Remembrance
Inspired by McCrae's poem, the National American Legion adopted the poppy as its official symbol of remembrance in 1920, solidifying its connection to honoring fallen soldiers.
1923: Indianapolis 500 and Memorial Day Clash
In 1923, despite the state legislature's rejection of holding the Indianapolis 500 on Memorial Day, Governor Warren McCray vetoed the bill, allowing the race to proceed. This decision highlighted the tension between honoring the war dead and embracing commercial interests.
May 26, 1966: Waterloo Designated as Memorial Day's "Official" Birthplace
On May 26, 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a presidential proclamation recognizing Waterloo, New York, as the "official" birthplace of Memorial Day. This followed House Concurrent Resolution 587, which claimed the tradition began in Waterloo a century earlier. However, this claim remains a subject of debate among scholars.
1967: Official Recognition of "Memorial Day"
In 1967, "Memorial Day" officially replaced "Decoration Day" as the holiday's name under federal law, reflecting a shift towards honoring all American military personnel who died in service.
June 28, 1968: Uniform Monday Holiday Act
On June 28, 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, moving several holidays, including Memorial Day, to a specified Monday to create three-day weekends. This act shifted Memorial Day from May 30 to the last Monday in May.
1971: Memorial Day Standardization
In 1971, the United States Congress officially standardized the holiday as "Memorial Day", changing its observance to the last Monday in May. This decision aimed to create a convenient three-day weekend.
1971: Uniform Monday Holiday Act Takes Effect
The Uniform Monday Holiday Act, passed in 1968, came into effect in 1971, officially shifting Memorial Day's observance to the last Monday in May.
2000: National Moment of Remembrance Act
In 2000, Congress passed the National Moment of Remembrance Act, encouraging Americans to pause for a moment of reflection at 3:00 PM on Memorial Day to honor the sacrifices of fallen service members.
2002: Advocacy for Returning to Original Memorial Day Date
In 2002, organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) advocated for returning Memorial Day to its original date of May 30, emphasizing the importance of preserving its historical significance and solemnity.