Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, was begun as a way to honor the fallen soldiers of the Civil War. It was first mentioned in 1865 in Waterloo, New York, that there should be a day devoted to honoring the dead of the Civil War.
In 1866 the idea was adopted and the townspeople began making and placing crosses and bouquets for each Civil War veteran's grave. May 5, 1866 found flags flown at half mast and a procession was led from cemetary to cemetary with speeches and words from clergymen. These ceremonies were again repeated on May 5, 1867.
On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic (an organization of former soldiers and sailors) declared in General Order No.11 that:
"The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit."