Memorial Day

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Memorial Day is an American holiday that takes place on the last monday of May. It honors the men and women who died when they were serving for the U.S. military. On May 5, 1868 (three days after the Civil War ended), “Decoration Day” was established by the Grand Army of the Republic. This day was dedicated to commemorating the war dead by decorating graves with flowers. General John Logan decided that this day should be celebrated on May 30th because on this date, flowers would be blooming all over the country. At the first national celebration at Arlington National Cemetery, about 5,000 people decorated the graves of more than 20,000 soldiers. In 1873, New York made Memorial Day a legal holiday. This holiday gradually to other states.

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