Since May 5, 1868, Americans have observed Memorial Day celebrations.  It was first observed through a general order, decreed by General John Logan, National Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic.  Memorial Day was first observed for the war dead several weeks later, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. By 1890 … Read entire article »