Boston Landmark a monument to the Beginning of Memorial Day Celebration.

Upon entering the Massachusetts State House designed by Boston's own native son, Charles Bullfinch, a bronze monument resides.

Memorial Day Monument, a Boston Monument Landmark.

Grand Army Monument, another example of Boston Historic Art

Outside Beacon Hill State House south lawn Bronze Plaque 1930

“In 1868, Commander-in-Chief John A. Logan issued General Order No. 11 calling for all Departments and Posts to set aside the 30th of May as a day for remembering the sacrifices of fallen comrades, thereby beginning the celebration of Memorial Day.” 

Thus began the birth of our Memorial Day Weekend, Boston, MA. 

John A. Logan, is regarded as the most important figure in the movement to recognize Memorial Day( originally known as "Decoration Day") as an official holiday declared that May 30, 1868 be a "Decoration Day": decorating the graves of the war dead.

However, the first people who used ritual to honor this country's war dead were the formerly enslaved black community of Charleston, South Carolina, May 1, 1865 three years earlier then Commander Logan's declaration on May 30th 1868.

In the West African tradition of honoring their war dead by decorating the graves of their war dead back in Africa. The Charleston, South Carolina's Gullah people ( West African rice planters who were enslaved and sold at this port), Honored their fallen heroes both back and white on May 1, 1865 by having 3000 black children bearing roses with women and men bearing wreaths marched together decorating their fallen dead. Black troops were present including some of our 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Thus our roots of our National Memorial Day commemoration.

"Boston Bronze and Stone Speak To Us"  the Boston Monument Guide Book can be purchased at Old North Church Gift Shop, Faneul Hall Gift Shop, Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble Book Stores.