Memorial Day
27/05/07 02:15
Henry Carter Welles
of Waterloo, New York was credited for suggesting a national memorial day. Although Henry was a well known druggist at the time, he would probably be forgotten today by all but descendants except for a comment that he made to townspeople in the summer of 1865. At a social gathering, Henry suggested that a day should be set aside to honor the dead of the Civil War. The next year, he repeated his suggestion toGeneral John B. Murray. The two men and a group formed of local citizens gained the support of the village, and on May 5, 1866, the first complete observance ofMemorial Day took place in Waterloo, NY.|
Origin of Memorial Day |