Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day was established in 1868 by an organization of Union veterans of the Civil War. May 30 was designated as a time for citizens to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers By the end of the 19th century, ceremonies were being held on May 30 throughout the nation. After World War I, the day was expanded to honor all Americans who had died in wars. In 1971 Congress proclaimed Memorial Day a national holiday and declared that it be observed the last Monday in May. The memorial in the photo was at one time in Punta Gorda. Many of those listed on the plaque were from here.
