The origins and evolution of Memorial Day

Take a few moments to savor the many creative freedoms we enjoy.

Memorial Day has its roots in post-Civil War Waterloo, New York, which is credited with holding the first official Memorial Day commemoration.

The holiday has certainly evolved in the past 150 years or so. What began as a somber observance for fallen soldiers has now morphed into a holiday marked by barbecues and low-key revelry–and, of course, tacky marketing campaigns.

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