Marine Corps War Memorial - "In honor and in memory of the men of the United States Marine Corps who have given their lives to their country since November 10, 1775." (Photo Credit:
NPS)
While there are several military holidays, Memorial Day began in 1868 as a way to pay respect to those who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Originally celebrated on May 30 (regardless of what day of the week it fell on), since 1971, the holiday has been celebrated on the last Monday of May.
Memorial Day Was Unofficially Started by Women
Before the Civil War ended, women's groups gathered to decorate the graves of the soldiers who had passed away. On April 12, 1886, the Columbus Ladies Memorial Association in Columbus, Georgia, announced they would dedicate one day a year to decorating graves as a way to remember fallen soldiers. This was one of many events put on by local Ladies Memorial Associations that eventually led to the federal holiday.
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