“The History and Significance of Memorial Day in the United States”

CNN
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Here’s a look at Memorial Day, a day honoring American soldiers who died in wars serving the country. It is observed annually in the United States on the last Monday of May.

Several cities claim to be the originators of Memorial Day, but in 1966 Congress declared Waterloo, New York, the birthplace of the holiday.

Memorial Day originally honored military personnel who died in the Civil War (1861-1865).

The holiday now honors those who died in a war while serving in the United States.

It is also called Day of Decoration.

5. May 1866 – Residents of Waterloo, New York observe a memorial day honoring all who died during the Civil War. Shops are closed and soldiers’ graves are decorated.

1868 – General John Alexander Logan officially declares May 30, 1868 as Memorial Day in honor of Union soldiers who died in the Civil War. Until after World War I, the Southern states observed a separate memorial day honoring the Confederate dead.

1971 – Congress declares Memorial Day a national holiday to be observed on the last Monday in May.

December 28, 2000 – President Bill Clinton signs the National Moment of Remembrance Act, designating 3:00 p.m. local time on Memorial Day each year as the National Moment of Remembrance.

civil war – Approximately 620,000 Americans died. The Union lost nearly 365,000 soldiers and the Confederacy about 260,000. More than half of these deaths were caused by disease.

First World War – 116,516 Americans died, more than half from disease.

Second World War – 405,399 Americans died.

Korean War – 36,574 Americans died.

Vietnam conflict – 58,220 Americans died.

Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm – 382 soldiers died.

Operation Iraqi Freedom – 4,418 soldiers died.

Operation New Dawn – 74 soldiers died.

Operation Enduring Freedom – 2,349 soldiers died.

Operation Freedom’s Sentinel – 107 soldiers died.

Operation Own Resolve – As of May 2023, 107 service members have died.