Photos: A historical look at Memorial Day across Minnesota

St. Paul Decoration Day parade, 1903
Children formed a living flag for the 1903 Decoration Day parade in St. Paul.
Courtesy Minnesota Historical Society

In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday, designating the last Monday of May as a day to honor the country's fallen service members.

The roots of the day, however, stretch back a century before to the first years after the Civil War. Beginning in 1868, communities around the country celebrated Decoration Day on May 30 by placing flowers on the graves of fallen soldiers.

A historical look at Memorial Day across Minnesota

Political Coverage Powered by You

Your gift today creates a more connected Minnesota. MPR News is your trusted resource for election coverage, reporting and breaking news. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.