REQUIRED READING: The History of Memorial Day, via Arlington National Cemetery

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The history of Memorial Day, via Arlington National Cemetery:

#DidYouKnow that #MemorialDay, the federal holiday in which we honor those who died while in the armed services, originated in the aftermath of the #CivilWar?#HonorThem

(@USArmy painting by Ellen White, courtesy of @USArmyCMH) pic.twitter.com/Lm9G7ZgS26

— Arlington National Cemetery (@ArlingtonNatl) May 25, 2018

On both sides of the #CivilWar conflict, north and south, families and brothers-in-arms of the fallen came together in grassroots commemorations to lay flowers on the graves of the dead, in honor of their sacrifice.

This day of remembrance was initially known as #DecorationDay.

— Arlington National Cemetery (@ArlingtonNatl) May 25, 2018

The national observance of #DecorationDay, in part, is traced to an order by Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, the commander in chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, a fraternal organization of #CivilWar Union veterans. On May 5, 1868, Logan instructed members of the GAR that:

— Arlington National Cemetery (@ArlingtonNatl) May 25, 2018

(That May 30), 1868 is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in the defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land.

— Arlington National Cemetery (@ArlingtonNatl) May 25, 2018

Over the years, the meaning of #DecorationDay evolved, gradually expanding from a commemoration of #CivilWar dead, into a day to honor fallen members of the American armed forces from all wars.

— Arlington National Cemetery (@ArlingtonNatl) May 25, 2018

As the meaning of #DecorationDay evolved, so did the name. By the late 19th century, many Americans were using the term #MemorialDay.

— Arlington National Cemetery (@ArlingtonNatl) May 25, 2018

For many years, #MemorialDay commemorations both domestically and overseas took place on May 30.

In 1968 Congress passed, and President Lyndon Johnson signed, the Uniform Monday Holiday Act. This legislation established the observance of Memorial Day on the last Monday in May.

— Arlington National Cemetery (@ArlingtonNatl) May 25, 2018

Every year, during #MemorialDay weekend, cemeteries across the globe honor service members who perished in the line of duty.

— Arlington National Cemetery (@ArlingtonNatl) May 25, 2018

These #MemorialDay ceremonies, rooted in 150 years of tradition, ensure that the United States will never forget those who died in the armed forces and the country for which they served.

#HonorThem

— Arlington National Cemetery (@ArlingtonNatl) May 25, 2018

Information for this thread courtesy of the American Battle Monuments Commission at https://t.co/0WN2MXbNPg.

— Arlington National Cemetery (@ArlingtonNatl) May 25, 2018

If you're looking for a way to honor those who have given their life in service to the United States, visit https://t.co/efKrWxfMCX for a list of events going on at the cemetery this weekend.

— Arlington National Cemetery (@ArlingtonNatl) May 25, 2018

#HonorThem.

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