The first nationwide Memorial Day parade was held on May 30, 1868 by a group of Civil War Union Army Vets known as the "Grand Army of the Republic." It is rumored that this date was chosen because it coincided with the surrender of the last Confederate army on May 26, 1865. However, some southern states felt excluded and began celebrating their own Confederate Memorial Days with varying dates. After WWI, the American Legion worked to create uniformity and officially named it "Memorial Day" to honor all American service people from any war or conflict. Today, most states honor this day on a set date chosen by the American Legion, except for Alabama and Mississippi which celebrates their Confederate Memorial Day on the fourth Monday in April.
Many people consider Memorial Day just a 3-day weekend for fun time for grilling burgers and tossing back some cold brewskis. So when you have that cold cool one, remember those who paid the price for you to enjoy this Memorial day weekend. The soilders that never made it home.