The History of Memorial Day

Though several states vie for the origination of Memorial Day, Lyndon Johnson designated Waterloo, NY as the birthplace for this honorable day of tribute. In 1866, Waterloo established an annual observance, closing businesses and setting aside a day to lay flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers.

Arlington Cemetery hosted the first official Decoration Day on a warm Spring day in May of 1868. President Ulysses S. Grant presided over approximately 5,000 gathered to remember those who sacrificed their lives in the great conflict between the North and South....

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