May 30 in American History
In the years after the Civil War, Americans began decorating the graves of the war dead with flowers. On this day the practice was formally observed nationally as "Decoration Day" — the origin of Memorial Day. What began as a way to honor the Civil War's fallen grew into the day the country remembers all who died in its service.
In 1868: the first Decoration Day. In the years after the Civil War, Americans began decorating the graves of the war dead with flowers.
In the years after the Civil War, Americans began decorating the graves of the war dead with flowers. On this day the practice was formally observed nationally as "Decoration Day" — the origin of Memorial Day. What began as a way to honor the Civil War's fallen grew into the day the country remembers all who died in its service.
The Daily Poll · Weigh In
How do you observe Memorial Day?
Opinion, not a quiz — no wrong answer.
★ Forge Your Freedom
Your Freedom Score puts a number on it — 60 seconds, free. See how you rank, then get a history moment like this in your brief every day.
Take the Free Assessment →