Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day. The purpose of Memorial Day is to remember the people who have died in the wars. The birthplace of Memorial Day is Waterloo, New York. President Lyndon Johnson declared that the birthplace in May 1966. The whole idea of Memorial Day was to come together to honor our fallen soldiers.

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan. At first only the northern states would acknowledge the holiday. After World War I, the southern states began to honor it as well. It is now celebrated on the last Monday in May because the person who came up with that idea wanted to ensure that there is a three day weekend for Federal Holidays.