Memorial Day was first declared as a holiday on May 5, 1868. The first observance of this day was on May 30 of that same year. At that time, the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery were adorned with flowers. New York State was the first state to give this holiday official recognition in 1873.

At one time, it was the custom to ware red poppies on Memorial Day. People would sell these flowers and give the proceeds from the sales to charitable organizations. In 1948, the United States Postal Service issued a red three-cent postage stamp to honor Moina Michael, the woman who started what was referred to as the National Poppy movement.
The stamp bore Ms. Michael's image on it.

There was a National Moment of Remembrance resolution passed eight years ago to remind Americans about Memorial Day's true purpose. We are asked to observe a moment of silence at 3 pm on Memorial Day to reflect on the importance of honoring those who gave their lives for our country.