Memorial Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the last Monday in May to remember those who lost their lives in the course of performing military duties to their country. The long weekend marks the start of the summer vacation season. Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day, and was first proclaimed by General John Logan on 5 May 1868 to honor the soldiers who died during the American Civil War. Decoration Day was observed in 17 states in 1868. Maine became the first state to declare a legal holiday for the day in 1874, followed by Massachusetts in 1881. Other northern states followed. By the end of the Great War (World War I), Memorial Day was a legal holiday in most northern states and a handful of southern states including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and North and South Carolina (though the day was marked on different dates in these states). The holiday became popularly known as Memorial Day by the late 19th century and its scope gradually expanded to remember the deceased veterans of all the wars fought by American forces. With the passage of the holiday act in 1968, Memorial Day was given the floating date of the last Monday in May across the country starting in 1971.
The state, as well as most cities and towns, will recognize Memorial Day this year in a virtual format to maintain social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic but still allow for the public to honor members of the military who made the ultimate sacrifice. Temperature highs are expected to be in the mid 80s over the weekend with mostly sunny skies. Socially distancing orders remain in effect.
We celebrate freedom, but we remember the cost. Thank you, to all our veterans and their families.