May 30, 1868: The Grand Army of the Republic held a memorial day to honor those who died “in defense of their country during the late rebellion.” There are many competing tales of the first Memorial Day—or “Decoration Day”—as it was sometimes known as. May 30 was the agreed-upon observance date for 100 years until 1968’s Uniform Monday Holiday Act was enacted on June 28 (Public Law 90-363), making Memorial Day a movable observance on the last Monday of May.

Quote of the Day: “We must observe this Memorial Day with the solemn determination that arises from our memories of the December morning at Pearl Harbor; of the day when the valiant handful of Marines and bluejackets were overcome at Wake; and of still another moment when a few thousand weary defenders relinquished the rocky heights of Bataan. These are stirring memories for all Americans. We, particularly, shall not forget them. Together, they and the ideals for which we are fighting make a compelling force that will carry us forward to the inevitable, ultimate victory.”

Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz at Memorial Day services at Pearl Harbor, May 30, 1942

Brandus, Paul. This Day in U.S. Military History (pp. 135-137). Bernan Press. Kindle Edition.