Memorial Day can find it roots in the aftermath of the American Civil War. Families honored their loved ones who had served and died by decorating their graves in late May, early June. Harper’s Weekly, covered the Civil War extensively and continued to focus on politics after the war. Each year, they would print an illustration to honor Decoration Day as it was first called.
The illustrations are haunting and painful. What do you think?
Harper’s Weekly 1873
Harper’s Weekly Decoration Day 1870
Harper’s Weekly 1870
Harper’s Weekly 1886