After the Civil War ended in 1865, communities across America began decorating the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers. On May 30, 1868, the first national Memorial Day was held. General John Logan, the commander of a Union veterans' organization, had chosen the date because flowers would be in bloom across the country. The day was originally called Decoration Day. At Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C., participants placed flowers on both Union and Confederate graves. This was significant because it honored soldiers from both sides of the war, helping to heal the nation's deep divisions. Over 600,000 soldiers had died in the Civil War, more than in any other American war. Thousands of small ceremonies took place in towns across the country. Children helped carry flowers. Veterans marched in parades. Speeches reminded people of the sacrifices soldiers had made. Over time, Memorial Day expanded to honor all American soldiers who died in any war. In 1971, Congress moved the holiday to the last Monday in May, creating a three-day weekend. Some veterans felt this shift turned a solemn day of remembrance into a casual holiday. Many communities continue the original tradition of visiting cemeteries and placing flags on graves.