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Memorial Day History

Posted on 5/13/2021

Man dressed in uniform holding a girl in a field of American Flags
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This Memorial Day, AmeriGas is proud to play a big part in cookouts across the nation. But more importantly, it’s a time to remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in our armed forces.

On Memorial Day we honor those who died in service to the country, but do you know the history?

  • It started over 150 years ago. On May 5, 1866 in Waterloo, NY, a ceremony honored local veterans who fought in the Civil War (which had just ended a year earlier). Businesses closed and residents flew flags at half-staff.
  • Two years later, it gets a name. On May 5, 1868, the head of the Grand Army of the Republic (an organization of Union veterans) created Decoration Day, a day for Americans to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers.
  • Flower power influences the date. It’s believed that Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared Decoration Day to be May 30 because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.
  • It wasn’t always for all fallen soldiers. It was only after World War I that Memorial Day expanded to honor those who died in all American wars.
  • LBJ makes the birthplace official. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson, with the support of Congress, declares Waterloo the birthplace of Memorial Day.
  • No longer a date, but a day. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a federal holiday and that it would no longer take place on May 30, but rather the last Monday in May.
  • A new millennium brings a new moment. In 2000, President Bill Clinton signs an act which asks Americans to observe a Moment of Remembrance on Memorial Day at 3:00 p.m. Many organizations observe this moment, including Amtrak (who blasts their train whistles), Major League Baseball, and NASCAR.

Memorial Day Traditions

Parades

  • Cities and towns across the United States host Memorial Day parades each year—the largest parades take place in Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C. Many of these parades incorporate military personnel and members of veterans’ organizations.

Visiting Cemeteries

  • Americans also observe the holiday by visiting cemeteries and memorials. You will often see people wearing a red poppy in remembrance of those fallen in war—a tradition that began with a World War I poem.

Weekend Celebrations

  • Many Americans throw parties and barbeques or take a weekend trip to their favorite vacation spot (the Jersey shore is a popular destination). Find the nearest propane exchange here.

 

On behalf of the AmeriGas family, we honor the U.S. service men and women this Memorial Day who gave their lives for our country and our freedom.

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