The Many Origin Stories of Memorial Day

What is the real origin of Memorial Day?

More than 20 places across the United States claim a connection to the beginning of Memorial Day — and historians still don’t point to one single story as the origin. In this episode, Jenna explores the many stories behind one of America’s most solemn national holidays, from Charleston, South Carolina, to Waterloo, New York, to Arlington National Cemetery.

Memorial Day honors the men and women who died in service to the United States. But over time, the holiday has also become a long weekend filled with barbecues, parades, sales and family gatherings. How do we hold both truths together — the grief and the gratitude, the remembrance and the rest?

In this special Memorial Day episode, we look back at the Civil War origins of the holiday, the role of local communities in decorating soldiers’ graves and General John A. Logan’s 1868 order calling Americans to remember those who gave their lives for the country.

Perhaps the question isn’t which Memorial Day origin story is true.

Perhaps the question is: What if they all are?

Listen for a thoughtful look at the history, mystery and meaning of Memorial Day — and why remembering the stories matters.

Timestamps / Chapters:
00:00 Memorial Day: Grief, Gratitude and Mixed Feelings
00:47 Why Memorial Day Became a Long Weekend
02:14 Jenna’s Personal Connection to Memorial Day
04:03 Why Memorial Day Has More Than One Origin Story
06:00 Civil War Roots of Memorial Day
06:55 Charleston’s Racecourse Reburial Story
10:12 Waterloo, New York’s Memorial Day Claim
11:45 How Southern Women Helped Spread the Tradition
17:42 The First National Memorial Day at Arlington
19:12 General Logan’s 1868 Memorial Day Order
21:43 Why These Memorial Day Words Still Matter