Great Johnstown Flood
1889

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Brown Decision Outlaws School Segregation
1955

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Naval Battle of Jutland
1916

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Israel Hangs Eichmann
1962

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Trans-Alaska Pipeline Opens
1977

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Sheathing the Cold War Sword: U.S. ICBMs De-Target Russia
1994

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Memorial Day

In 1868, General John Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic ordered that May 30 be a day on which the graves of the fallen should be decorated -- thus the holiday's original name, Decoration Day.

The idea was readily adopted in patchwork style across the country, with the South setting aside an earlier day, in April, and calling it Memorial Day in honor of the Confederate dead.

Whatever its name, the holiday's breadth has expanded with every war to honor the ever-increasing roll of those who have fought and fallen for freedom.

And for the convenience of those who have not, more recently the date was made variable and assigned to a Monday. We fear that by so concocting a three-day weekend, the holiday becomes more apropos to parties and barbecues than for its original, solemn purpose.

The actual date is unimportant. But put down your burger for a moment, and remember those who died to make this life possible.