The Memorial Day began in Waterloo, New York. The village was credited with being the place of origin because it observed the day on May 5, 1866, and each year thereafter. Memorial Day was first enacted to honor Union soldiers who fought in the American Civil War (it is celebrated near the day of reunification after the civil war), and then was expanded after World War I to include American casualties of any war or military action.

The alternative name of “Memorial Day” was first used in 1882, and become more common until after World War II, and was not declared the official name by Federal law until 1967.

Formerly known as Decoration Day, as it’s customary to decorate the graves in local cemeteries with flowers and flags, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. To honor those who died at sea, flowers are thrown into the ocean.

In a ceremony held in Virginia’s Arlington National Cemetery, a wreath is placed on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier each year.

Memorial Day is now a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May. On June 28, 1968, the United States Congress passed the Uniform Holidays Bill, which moved Presidents’ Day; Veterans Day, and Memorial Day from their traditional dates to a specified Monday in order to create a convenient three-day weekend.