How was Memorial Day chosen?

Memorial Day was established to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Its origins date back to the Civil War, when various communities held commemorative events for fallen soldiers. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday, designating the last Monday in May as the official remembrance day. The holiday serves as a time for reflection, remembrance, and honoring the sacrifices made by military personnel.