What is it Wednesday - First called Decoration Day

Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day.  It was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers where placed on the graves of the Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National cemetery.  New York was the first state to recognize this holiday, with the rest of the Northern States following.  It was not until World War 1 that the Southern states, started to recognize this holiday.  In 1922 VFW posts started selling red poppies.  In 1950 soldiers started placing flags on the gravies of soldiers.  Starting 1998 on the Saturday before Memorial Day, Boy Scouts, started placing the flags on the graves.  In 2000 we have been asked to stop for a moment at 3:00 to remember what this day is all about, because to many have forgotten.  So sad , that many still have no idea.  Please stop and remember those who have given their lives for our freedom, then those who have worn or are wearing the uniform,  so we may keep our freedom.  Richard Nixon in 1971 declared the last Monday in May be Memorial Day, making for a federal holiday and a long weekend.