“We should guard their graves with sacred vigilance. … Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.”
Maj. Gen. John A. Logan
The Conception of Memorial Day
Memorial Day finds its origins in the post-Civil War Era. At the time, the Civil War had claimed the most casualties of any American conflict, which meant mass grave sites– prominent reminders of lost friends and families. In May of 1868, Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, head of the Grand Army of the Union, called for a national day of observance for fallen Civil War Soldiers, from both Union and Confederate armies. Originally coined as Decoration Day, Logan proclaimed the day would be dedicated to decorating the graves of soldiers with flowers.
On May 30, 1968, the first large-scale Memorial Day celebration was held at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, where over 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers were buried. The day consisted of speeches that commemorated those who served and the adorning of their graves with flowers, wreaths, and flags.
As the years passed, more and more states began to hold their own celebrations for Memorial Day, but it was not until 1971 that Congress recognized Memorial Day as national holiday, and by that time, the holiday was meant to celebrate American soldiers who served through any armed conflict.
Women’s Influence in the Tradition
Even before the end of the Civil War, civilians often paid tribute to soldiers’ graves by placing flowers on them (in the history of humans, flowers have been the symbol of honoring death for thousands of years). Communities dedicated to memoriam formed, and these groups were often led by women.
There is even a famous story of a women’s memorial association from Columbus, Mississippi: On April 25, 1866, a memorial association headed to a Confederate cemetery. Upon their arrival, they noticed a section of barren graves among the rest of the flower adorned tombstones. These markers belonged to Union soldiers, and as such, had been left untouched. Disturbed by the sight, the women ensured no grave went left without offerings. Other communities caught wind of this respectful gesture and this story circulated through newspapers in several states. There was even a poem inspired by this event, titled The Blue and the Gray, which you can read here!
How Legal Heat Is Celebrating Memorial Day
Legal Heat is proud to celebrate Memorial Day and honor all of those who served to protect what mattered to them. We also acknowledge these efforts year-round by giving citizens the skills and knowledge to defend themselves and their loved ones through concealed carry education. We want to keep our communities safe– that is why we are offering a special 20% off discount through May 30 on our concealed carry courses. Just use the code MEM20 at checkout! Find a class near you by following this link.
