Memorial Day was first observed in 1868, 3 years after the end of the Civil War, during which 600,000 Americans died, more than in any war in US history. It was originally called "Decoration Day" until it became a "Memorial Day", a National Holiday, in 1971. My wife is shown with a 48-Star replica, with traditional Gold Fringe, which I had made for me by a Flagmaker. I think it was the most beautiful US Flag ever flown. Harold Pollner, US Army, 1960-1962