Memorial Day originated as Decoration Day, a national day of remembrance for Union soldiers killed during the War Between the States. It was proclaimed by Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, " ...for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion..." in General Order No. 11. It was first celebrated on May 30, 1868.
