On this day in history, May 30, 1868, the first Decoration Day —
a precursor to Memorial Day — was celebrated.

Originally known as Decoration Day, from early traditions of
decorating graves with flags, flowers and wreaths, Memorial
Day is a day for remembrance to honor those who have died
in service to our country.

According to PBS,"This was first widely observed on May 30,
1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of Gen. John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the
Republic, an organization of former Union sailors and soldiers," according to PBS.

The American Red Cross was founded by Clara Barton (1821–1912) 
on this day in history, May 21, 1881.

Nurse Clarissa Harlowe "Clara" Barton was born on Christmas
Day, 1821, in North Oxford, Massachusetts, the American Red
Cross website notes.

She spent her early career as a teacher before moving to
Washington, D.C. to work in the U.S. Patent Office.

According to the American Red Cross, at the time of the
American Civil War Barton shifted her career once again,
becoming a battlefield nurse.    
 

Clara Barton was inducted into the National Women’s Hall
of Fame in 1973.

Members of the American Red Cross Corps in a photo taken around 1910.

Photo of a dispensary taken around 1914.

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Armed Forces Day was first observed on 20 May 1950, the day
was created on 31 August 1949 as President Harry S. Truman
led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come
together and thank military members for their patriotic service
in support of the republic and national interests and as an
undeniable fact of  American life.     

       
Secretary of Defense Louis A. Johnson announced the creation
to honor Americans serving in the five U.S. military branches –
the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Air Force and
U.S. Coast Guard – following the consolidation of the military
services in the U.S. Department of Defense as part of a modern
US Armed Forces.    

Harry S. Truman( 1884 – 1972)