Today is a day that will be celebrated across the nation. Originally coined as Decoration Day, it evolved as a time set aside to honor those killed during the Civil War by decorating their grave sites. Initially observed May 30, 1868, Decoration Day commemorated the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers. It became an official day of reconciliation, about coming together to honor those who valiantly gave their all for our freedom. According to Gen. John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, the holiday was established "for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country." During the first celebration of Decoration Day, General James Garfield spoke at Washington's Arlington National Cemetery, where the graves of more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers were decorated. After World War One, observances began to honor those who had died in all American wars. It was 37 years ago that Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May of each calendar year.