Major General John A. Logan (1826-1886) the founder of Memorial day which was originally known as Decoration Day because it was a time set aside to honor those lost in the nation's Civil War by decorating their graves. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Arm...y of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers.
On May 5, 1868, Logan declared in General Order No. 11 that:
"The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance, no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit.