Three years after the end of the Civil War, John Logan, Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic set aside May 30 for "Soldiers Memorial Day."  The day was intended to honor Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the conflict.  Eventually, the Memorial Day holiday was expanded to include all who have given their lives in combat in American wars.  In 1971 Congress declared it a national holiday and changed the day from May 30 to the last Monday in May.  In 200 Congress passed "The National Moment of Remembrance Act"   Citizens are encouraged to pause for a moment of silence to remember those who have died in service at 3:00 PM on Memorial Day