Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day. It was a day to decorate the graves of Civil War dead with flowers, wreaths and flags. in 1868, Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30.

By the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day ceremonies were being held on May 30 throughout the nation. State legislatures passed proclamations designating the day, and 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. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress, though it is still often called Decoration Day. It was then also placed on the last Monday in May, as were some other federal holidays.

Governor Walz

[ST. PAUL, MN] – Today, Governor Tim Walz ordered all United States and Minnesota flags to fly at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until noon on Monday, May 25, 2020, in honor of those who have died while serving in the United States Military.

“We honor the spirit, courage, and tenacity of the generations of Armed Forces members and their families today who made the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation,” said Governor Walz. “As we work toward peace in our world, let us never forget those who have served on our behalf.”

Since 1868, Memorial Day has been observed in the United States of America to officially celebrate and honor the valiant sacrifice of those in the military who have given their lives in service to our country. Across the nation, and in the State of Minnesota, Americans give thanks those who undertake the great responsibility of defending our liberties and protecting democracy.

Governor Walz Memorial Day proclamation reads as follows:

WHEREAS: The United States of America has officially celebrated and honored the valiant sacrifice of those in the military who have given their lives in the name of service each Memorial Day since 1868; and

WHEREAS: Memorial Day serves as a day of remembrance for people to gather in small towns and big cities for one purpose: to remember our fallen, pay homage to their sacrifice and courage, and to recognize the selflessness of military service; and

WHEREAS: Across the nation and in the State of Minnesota, we thank those who undertake the great responsibility of defending our liberties and protecting democracy; and

WHEREAS: We honor those today who made the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation; and

WHEREAS: The United States of America and the State of Minnesota honor the spirit, courage, and tenacity of the generations of Armed Forces members and their families; and

WHEREAS: As we work toward peace in our world, let us never forget those who have served on our behalf.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM WALZ, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim Monday, May 25, 2020, as: MEMORIAL DAY in the State of Minnesota, and do hereby order all United States flags and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff at all state and federal buildings in the State of Minnesota, from sunrise until noon on Monday, May 25, 2020, in honor of those who have served on our behalf.