The evolution of Memorial Day, a U.S. holiday honoring fallen soldiers, highlighting its origins after the Civil War. It details how the practice of grave decoration evolved into General John A. Logan establishing "Decoration Day" in 1868. The explanation notes the transition from honoring only Union soldiers to commemorating all war dead, and the holiday's eventual designation as a federal holiday on the last Monday in May in 1971. Finally, the text describes traditional customs like grave decoration and parades and emphasizes the holiday's ongoing significance as a day of remembrance.