Memorial Day originated as “Decoration Day” after the Civil War as visitors brought flowers to the graves of soldiers killed during that great conflict. Eventually the commemoration was set on May 30th and became known as “Memorial Day” to honor soldiers killed in all conflicts.  In 1971, Congress changed the date to the last Monday in May.

Eleanor Roosevelt published two columns about Memorial Day 1945 – a poignant time that came just six weeks after the death of Franklin Delano Roosevelt on April 12, 1945. On May 30th she wrote:  All over this country people will be going to our cemeteries and placing flags and wreaths on the graves of the men who died for their country in this and other wars in our past history. Then she talked about the experience of those visiting the new grave of FDR in the days since his burial: Delegations from many foreign nations have come to pay their respects, and they have gone away apparently with a renewed strength of spirit. I believe this always comes when we think of the courageous people who bear their burdens in life without fear.  

Eleanor reached out to comfort the many American women whose husbands or sons had been killed and buried far away.  Perhaps if the women who have no grave to visit could go to some place that together they had known and loved in the past, and think not of the body of a man but of his mind and soul and heart, they might then be able to feel some of that sense of nearness which is, I think, at the root of the craving people have to know and visit the spot where someone they have loved and depended upon is laid to rest. Perhaps if, day by day, they try to carry out some wish or some interest which was close to the man’s heart, they may find themselves sharing more intimately in the actual things which moved him. This will give them comfort and courage to face the future.  

Eleanor described the ceremonies held at Hyde Park in her column of June 2nd: The grave itself was covered with our own flowers from the place, as my husband would have wished. The ceremonies were broadcast, and therefore many of you know that it was a sunny, beautiful day and that the service was simple and in keeping with what my husband liked on Memorial Day.