The preferred name for the holiday to honor America's Civil War dead only very gradually evolved from "Decoration Day" to "Memorial Day." Although the current appellation was first used in 1882, "Memorial Day" did not come into widespread use until after World War II; it was not declared the holiday's official name by federal law until 1967. By the end of the 19th century, Decoration/Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30th throughout the nation. State legislatures passed proclamations designating the day & the Army and Navy adopted regulations for proper observance at their facilities. It was not until after World War I, however, that the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars. At this same time, the American Legion took over the duty of promoting Memorial Day festivities from the GAR veterans' organization. On June 28, 1968, the U.S. Congress passed the "Uniform Holidays Bill" which officially declared that Memorial Day was a national holiday & uniformly reset the holiday to the last Monday in May, thereby creating a convenient, nationwide, three-day holiday weekend. Within a few years, after some initial confusion and unwillingness to comply, all 50 states eventually adopted Congress' change of date. An enduring holiday that's observed by most businesses because it marks the unofficial beginning of summer, Memorial Day remains a day on which many Americans visit cemeteries to pay tribute their loved ones and attend parades to show their patriotism. More recently, Congress passed the "National Moment of Remembrance Act" in December of 2000. It encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation. According to Carmella LaSpada, the founder of the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance, "It's a way we can all help put the memorial back in Memorial Day."
This color coordinated collection of fashion fabrics was first featured in our Vogue Fabrics By Mail Summer 2011 catalog of swatches. Subscribe to receive home delivery of these catalogs every other month.
This color coordinated collection of fashion fabrics was first featured in our Vogue Fabrics By Mail Summer 2011 catalog of swatches. Subscribe to receive home delivery of these catalogs every other month.
