In Jackson, Wyoming, the roots of Memorial Day are deeply intertwined with the history of the Civil War. Originally called Decoration Day, this solemn occasion was first observed in 1868, three years after the end of the Civil War. The nation came together to adorn the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers, a tradition that began under the guidance of Major General John A. Logan.

The Origins of Decoration Day

Decoration Day was declared by General Logan to be observed on May 30, a date chosen because flowers would be in bloom across the country. His order was to decorate soldiers’ graves with the ‘choicest flowers of springtime,’ ensuring that no neglect or the passage of time would suggest that the sacrifices made for a free and undivided republic were forgotten.

Wyoming’s Contribution

Wyoming holds a special place in the history of Memorial Day through the legacy of Francis E. Warren. Warren, the last Civil War veteran to serve in the U.S. Senate, earned the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service in the Union army. In 1890, he was elected as Wyoming’s first governor and went on to become one of the state’s longest-serving senators, with a tenure spanning nearly 40 years.

Expansion to Memorial Day

Following World War I, Decoration Day evolved to honor all American soldiers who died in wars. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday, observed on the last Monday in May, aligning it with the structure of other federal holidays. This change ensured that the day of remembrance would be part of a long weekend, allowing more Americans to participate in commemorative activities.

Local Remembrance

In Jackson Hole, the Teton County War Memorial stands as a tribute to the veterans of Teton County. This memorial serves as a local focal point for Memorial Day observances, reminding the community of the sacrifices made by its members in the service of the nation.

Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.