Memorial Day was originally known as "Decoration Day" because it was a time set aside to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. It was instituted in 1868 to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers and has since grown to honor all those who have given their lives in services to their country.

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan and was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.  The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 it was recognized by all of the northern states. (Source:  USMemorialDay.com - History of Memorial Day http://www.usmemorialday.org/backgrnd.html.)

Memorial Day should be observed:

• by visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes.

• by visiting memorials.

• by flying the US Flag at half-staff until noon.

• by flying the 'POW/MIA Flag' as well (Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act).

• by participating in a "National Moment of Remembrance": at 3 p.m. to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day, and for Taps to be played.

• by renewing a pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our fallen dead, and to aid the disabled veterans.