WEB Congress Declares Memorial Day an Official Holiday
A Brief History
Memorial Day, a day of remembrance for fallen soldiers, became an official national holiday in 1971 thanks to an act passed by the 92nd United States Congress. However, the holiday's origins date back much further.
Memorial Day's Roots
The observance of Memorial Day has its roots in the aftermath of the American Civil War. In 1868, General John A. Logan, the commander of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), designated May 30 as a day to honor soldiers who had died fighting for the Union. This date was chosen as it was the first day after the traditional planting season, making it a more convenient day for farmers to attend memorial ceremonies.
Over the years, the observance of Memorial Day spread beyond Union soldiers to include all American service members who had died in conflict. In 1971, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act was passed, which shifted the observance of Memorial Day to the last Monday in May. This was done to create a three-day weekend for federal employees and to give people more time to travel and participate in memorial events.
Conclusion
Today, Memorial Day remains an important day of remembrance for the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives in service to our country. It is a day to honor their sacrifice, reflect on the meaning of freedom, and recommit ourselves to the ideals for which they fought.
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