Why was Memorial Day originally called Decoration Day?
It was a better name for the holiday than Memorial Day.
People used to make decorations on that day, but they no longer do.
People decorated soldiers' graves with flowers on that day.
Decoration is a more old-fashioned word than memorial.
As an octogenarian, I remember when it was called Decoration Day. My rural relatives decorated graves of their ancestors with flowers.
I suppose the name started with the decoration of soldiers' graves but expanded to include all family graves.
The correct answer is: People decorated soldiers' graves with flowers on that day.
Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day because people would decorate the graves of soldiers who had died during the Civil War with flowers, flags, and other decorations. This tradition began in the years following the end of the Civil War, as a way to honor and remember those who had made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.
To find this answer, one could conduct research on the origins of Memorial Day and its historical significance. Examining historical documents, articles, and accounts from that time period would provide insights into the customs and traditions associated with the holiday. Additionally, consulting reliable historical sources and references would also shed light on the original meaning behind the name "Decoration Day."