On May 5, 1868, Memorial Day was officially proclaimed by Gen. John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and celebrated that year on May 30 with flowers placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.
 Though it is believed that honoring the fallen soldiers of both sides in that conflict actually began during the war itself, the observance of this day to honor America’s fallen heroes was to bring about a sense of reconciliation in recognition of their great sacrifice.