Columbus first observed ‘Decoration Day’ in 1869 at Green Lawn Cemetery
Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, honors the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military. Its origins can be traced back to the aftermath of the Civil War, which claimed more lives than any other conflict in U.S. history.
By the late 1860s, Americans began holding springtime tributes to the fallen soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers and reciting prayers. Although numerous communities independently initiated these memorial gatherings, in 1966 the federal government officially recognized Waterloo, New York, as the birthplace of Memorial Day because the city held an annual event widely believed to have started in 1866.
However, recent research asserts the first Decoration Day in Waterloo, New York took place in 1868. What is verifiable is General John A. Logan’s May 5, 1868, proclamation calling for Decoration Day to be observed annually and nationwide. Logan served as the commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, a Civil War veterans organization. Northern states quickly adopted the holiday, and memorial events grew in number every year after the proclamation.
The first Decoration Day celebrated in Columbus occurred on May 29, 1869, and was nearly universally observed. All businesses were closed, and flags flew at half-mast at all public buildings and homes. In the morning, carriages and wagons of all kinds lined the road to Green Lawn Cemetery. A crowd of thousands paid their respects.
Over time, the observance of Memorial Day has evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars. The name change of the holiday began occurring around the country as early as 1876.
Columbus began adopting the name Memorial Day in 1877, the year in which proceedings were led by General John Beatty, a citizen-soldier who was a banker and joined the Ohio 3rd Infantry as a private, promoted to brigadier general for his bravery in action. However, the name of the holiday was not finalized until 1971 when
Congress standardized the holiday as Memorial Day and set its observance on the last Monday in May, creating a three-day weekend.
Today, Memorial Day is observed with various traditions, including visiting cemeteries and memorials, and participating in parades. VFW and American Legion posts, Boy Scout troopers, other volunteers and family place American flags on the graves of military personnel in cemeteries.
The day serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of war and the sacrifices made by service members and their families. It is a day for reflection, gratitude, and remembrance, ensuring that the courage and selflessness of America’s fallen heroes are never forgotten.
Memorial Day continues to be a central part of American culture and history, embodying the nation’s respect and reverence for its military personnel who gave their lives in service to their country.
Aaron O’donovan is a special collections manager for the Columbus Metropolitan Library.