Others have tried to lay claim to being where it all began, but here is the REAL story of Memorial Day, or 'Decoration Day' as it was known at the start. The name this commeoration is called was changed in 1882.The fact that Waterloo held the first complete Memorial Day observance on May 5th, 1866 has been proved conclusively.
The story begins in 1865, when Henry C. Welles, a local druggist and book seller, mentioned at a social gathering that, while praising the living heroes of the Civil War, it would be well to remember the patriotic dead by decorating their graves. 
In the spring of 1866, he again mentioned the subject, this time to General John B. Murray, then Seneca County Clerk. Murray, a Civil War hero and a man of action, quickly advanced the thought and developed it. 
Plans for a more complete observance were formulated by a committee of local citizens, veterans' support was enlisted, and it was decided to close all businesses and devote and entire day to honoring the war dead. Townspeople adopted the idea wholeheartedly.The entire day was observed in a solemn and patriotic manner. Ladies of the village gathered at Towsley Hall and prepared wreathes, crosses and bouquets for each veteran's grave.
The village was decorated with flags at half mast, draped evergreen boughs and black mourning streamers.
Veterans, civic societies and townspeople, led by General Murray, marched to the strains of martial music to the three village cemeteries. Ceremonies included an impressive speach by General Murray and the offering of prayers by The Reverend Samuel H. Gridley. Maud Murray, daughter of the general, was given the honor of decorating the first grave. The services were somewhat long and the heat oppressive. Many people, including Henry Welles, siffered heat exhaustion.On May 5th of the following year, these ceremonies were repeated. In 1868, Waterloo joined with other communities in holding their observance on May 30th, in accordance with General John A. Logan's General Order No. 11. But history has been made two years previously, when, on a day in early spring, Waterloo gave Memorial Day to the nation.
It has been observed in Waterloo every year since its inception...142 years straight. The story has remained alive as part of the village's tradition and proof has been preserved in local newspapers, GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) records and numerous other documents. In 1873, New York became the first state in the nation to proclaim Memorial Day as a public holiday by legislative action. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by Congress set aside to be observed on the last Monday of May. To this day, the village that founded the holiday continues to commemorate Memorial Day on the date of May 30th, no matter what day of the week it falls upon, and not the Monday holiday the rest of the nation observes. Several other local communities join Waterloo in that tradition.
In Waterloo, flags are placed on the graves of those service people who have died in the line of duty. Military ceremonies and prayers are offered at dawn in each of the village's three cemeteries; Bear, Stark Street and Maple Grove; with the flag raised, then lowered to half staff while Taps is played in the 'Veteran's Plot' at Maple Grove Cemetery. While residents of this town join in with many of the same activities you'll be doing during the day; family reunions, picnics, baseball games and the like; once evening approaches, the villagers join together to view the parade that marches down Main Street through the center of town; ending at LaFayette Park where ceremonies are held. Included are prayers for those who gave their lives and for peace and freedom for the future, the readings of General Logan's orders and The Gettysburg Address and patriotic music as the sun begins to set.
While everyone is free to 'celebrate' in whatever manner they so choose; remember the REAL meaning behind Memorial Day. One doesn't have to make a pilgrimage to Waterloo...or even attend a parade and services. Simply take a moment during the course of your day to reflect on what Memorial Day is all about.
Remember those brave men and women who laid down their lives so we all may enjoy what we have today. From the Civil War of long ago to the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts of the present; say a simple prayer and let their efforts not go in vain. Give your thanks to those who died so that we may live in freedom forever. 
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Comments: 42
I hope you have a great long weekend Rob
I come from a long line of service men and women; and some have come home and some have not. For the ones that come home there is lasting effects for them. For once I want to see us finish the job and really honor our fallen heros.
It is nice that we remember those fallen and we can have freedom to be with families and have fun because of those that have given everything.
Thank you for the background for this special day.
Blessings
Now, indeed, I sit and remember. I talk to my dad, is normal for me though gone he may be, and tell how sorry that once again this year I can't be there to put that flag on his grave for him, but I know that the Veteran's in the Honor Guard will not allow even one vet to go this night with out a flag, a salute and a prayer to thank them once again. The Honor Guard were very important to my dad, and so very special to me as well.
For me, is just another working weekend again, though glad for that I am. No family here, no picnics to attend, one friend who is homebound temporarily again. And from the looks of all the boxes here my room mate moves out as well. Not glad of that, but life marches on, and thinking of getting a dog or a cat, time will tell
Growing up we always had a church service to pray for our soldiers, and pay tribute to those who died for us, then off the cemetery of a small gathering of auxiliary people who again prayed and gave thanks. Each soldier's grave was honored with a flag and other decorations to show that they gave of themselves to keep our nation free. After all that was done we had a picnic to celebrate our freedom. All of us kids wore red, white and blue outfits. Mid afternoon there was a parade and the whole neighborhood went, waving small flags and a large majority had patriotic colors on. I miss that special feeling Memorial Day brought about each year.
I am not saying there was no memorial day prior of WW1 but it was not a national holiday and thus only a local event. I find it interesting that it started in a town named Waterloo.
140th Official San Francisco Presidio Memorial Day Ceremony
Honoring the 90th anniversary of World War I with a tribute to those killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Music will be provided by the 91st Division Band. Rep. Jackie Speier is the featured speaker and will present a tribute to Tom Lantos. Parade from the Presidio's parade grounds to the National Cemetery begins at 10:30 a.m. Formal ceremony begins at 11 a.m. Call Wallace Levin at (415) 710-5293 or (415) 554-6036 for additional information. 10:30 a.m.-noon Mon. National Cemetery, the Presidio. SF
I remember when Memorial Day was still often called Decoration Day. That was in the late 1920s and early '30s. It was a real day of remembrance and graves of all loved ones were cleaned up and flags placed on the graves of veterans.
I lived near Danbury CT, and there was always a parade and our fife and drum squad marched and played. I even remember seeing a few veterans of the Civil War riding, and waving from convertibles.
I don't remember any picnics, it was a solemn holiday.
I love that area of the state.....I have missed hearing about it from you like I did when you lived there. It was nice to see this article. Thanks for sharing !!
I'm proud of my Dad, who served in the Army Reserves, my brother in law, who served during Desert Storm, my brother, who served in Desert Storm and my nephew, who will be shipping out to Iraq in September!!!!! Major kuddos to these men in my life!!!!!!!
I have a very good friend that lives there in Waterloo...
they did a really great photo essay on this last year...