In 1868 Decoration Day was established as a day to honor those who died in the Civil War by decorating their graves with flowers. It wasn’t until 1971 that Memorial Day was declared a national holiday, and by then its scope had been expanded to honor those who died in all American wars.

It wasn’t until 1971 that Memorial Day was declared a national holiday, and by then its scope had been expanded to honor those who died in all American wars.

Check the Quilts of Valor Foundation website for details.