who is generally considered the founder of memorial day?
Who is generally considered the founder of Memorial Day?
Memorial Day is a holiday observed in the United States to honor and remember the men and women who have died while serving in the military. The exact origins of Memorial Day are somewhat debated, but it is generally attributed to General John A. Logan.
General John A. Logan, a Union Army general during the American Civil War, is often credited with initiating the observance of Memorial Day. On May 5, 1868, Logan issued General Order No. 11, which called for the decoration of the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. This order was intended to honor the soldiers who had died in the Civil War.
The first Memorial Day was observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. Over time, Memorial Day evolved to honor all American military personnel who have died in service to their country.
It is important to note that there were earlier observances of similar nature before General Logan’s order. For example, in the South, there were various observances to honor fallen Confederate soldiers. However, General Logan’s order helped to establish a nationwide observance and set the foundation for what Memorial Day has become today.
While General John A. Logan is generally considered the founder of Memorial Day, it is important to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of all those who have served and died in the military. Memorial Day serves as a solemn reminder of their bravery and dedication to protecting our freedoms.