Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. It was first widely observed by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers, to honor the fallen soldiers of the Civil War. "The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit."
In 1966, the federal government, under the direction of President Lyndon Johnson, declared Waterloo, New York, the official birthplace of Memorial Day. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May.
