Memorial Day

The first national celebration of the holiday took place May 30, 1868, at Arlington National Cemetery, where both Confederate and Union soldiers were buried. Originally known as Decoration Day, at the turn of the century it was designated as Memorial Day. In many American towns, the day is celebrated with a parade.

In 1971, federal law changed the observance of the holiday to the last Monday in May and extended the honor to all soldiers who died in American wars. A few states continue to celebrate Memorial Day on May 30.

Today, national observance of the holiday still takes place at Arlington National Cemetery with the placing of a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the decoration of each grave with a small American flag. Protocol for flying the American flag on Memorial Day includes raising it quickly to the top of the pole at sunrise, immediately lowering it to half-staff until noon, and displaying it at full staff from noon until sunset. (Library of Congress)

Soldier’s Memorial Day

When flow’ry Summer is at hand,
And Spring has gemm’d the earth with bloom,
We hither bring, with loving hand,
Bright flow’rs to deck our soldier’s tomb.

Gentle birds above are sweetly singing
O’er the graves of heroes brave and true;
While the sweetest flow’rs we are bringing,
Wreath’d in garlands of red, white and blue.

With snowy hawthorn, clusters white,
Fair violets of heav’nly blue,
And early roses, fresh and bright,
We wreathe the red, and white, and blue.

“Soldier’s Memorial Day.” Mary B. C. Slade, words; W. O. Perkins, music; Boston: Oliver Ditson & Co., 1870. Historic American Sheet Music. Duke University Libraries.

Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery

Dedicated on May 15, 1920, the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington National Cemetery is a stunning visual feature of the cemetery. ANC is celebrating the centennial of Amphitheater’s dedication during the month of May. The centerpiece of the 100th anniversary commemoration is ANC’s first online exhibit. While Arlington National Cemetery remains closed to visitors, this online exhibit allows the public to virtually explore these hallowed grounds. Featuring original photographs depicting Memorial Amphitheater’s construction and evolution during the past century, along with interpretive text and a short video, this exhibit narrates the story of the building’s origins, design and ongoing preservation. Through the story of the Amphitheater, the exhibit explains how Americans have honored and remembered military service and sacrifice, from 1920 through today.