Photo: history.com

PULSE NEWS MEXICO  

In keeping with a tradition dating back to the end of the U.S. Civil War, Americans in Mexico and around the globe will observe Memorial Day on Monday, May 30.

Memorial Day is a time when Americans honor the memory of those fallen heroes who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Memorial Day, which was originally known as Decoration Day, was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery in accordance with an official proclamation by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic.

In 1882, the name Decoration Day was changed to Memorial Day, and in 1971, the date was declared a U.S. national holiday.

Today, it is traditionally celebrated throughout the United States on the last Monday in May, although many veteran organizations still prefer to honor U.S. military dead on May 30.