Memorial Day originated after the Civil War

Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed in the United States on the last Monday of May. 

Formerly known as Decoration Day, it originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. 

Southern ladies organizations and southern schoolchildren had a Confederate Memorial Day and decorated Confederate graves in Richmond and other cities during the Civil War. Each US region had its own date. Most dates were in May. This day was used to honor the Lost Cause in the South. 

By the 20th century Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died in all wars. Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

It delineates the start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks its end.

The Civil War was truly the Mother of all US wars. 

On the union side 

Battle deaths:	110,070
Disease, etc.:	250,152
Total	360,222

On the confederate side

Battle deaths: 94,000

Disease, etc.: 164,000

Total            258,000 

source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_day

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