A marker in the Sibley Cemetery remembering the soldiers who died at Fort Osage.
Photo taken Memorial Day 2013
The beginnings of Memorial Day dates back to the Civil War. On May 5, 1868, the head of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) established Decoration Day as a time to decorate the graves of soldiers who died during War. Decoration day was then moved to May 30th, as it was believed that flowers all over the United States.
Grave of William Ernest Long
World War I Veteran.
Photo taken Memorial Day 2014.
After World War One Memorial day was expanded to include those who died in every American War and not just the Civil War.
Congress made Memorial Day a Federal Holiday in 1971. Also in 1971, Memorial Day was moved from May 30th to the last Monday in May to align with other Federal Holidays.
All Americans are encouraged to pause for a minute of silence at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day to remember those who have died while serving our country.
CLICK HERE for a complete history on Memorial Day.
