Memorial Day: Honoring Fallen Soldiers and Its Evolution from Decoration Day
Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, is a U.S. holiday dedicated to honoring military personnel who have died in service. The holiday's origins trace back to the Civil War era, when it was first observed on May 30, 1868, as a day to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. This tradition was initiated by General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic. Over time, the holiday evolved, and in 1971, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, officially designating the last Monday in May as Memorial Day. This change aimed to create a long weekend for federal employees. The day is now widely recognized as the unofficial start of summer, marked by various ceremonies and events across the country. 
