Memorial Day History
Recognizing Memorial Day started in 1868, when the division of the Grand Army of the Republic demanded that their commander, General John A. Logan, adorn the graves of their fallen war comrades with flowers. It was an event that began to recognize the soldiers who died in the American Civil War. After World War I, all men and women who died in military action were also included.
Many people assume Memorial Day is the same as Veterans Day, but Memorial Day is actually a day to honor fallen military men and women, whereas Veterans Day is a day to recognize the veterans who served in the military.