The first observance of what came to be known as Memorial Day was on May 30, 1868, when a Civil War general called on Americans to commemorate the sacrifices of Union soldiers. It was initially called Decoration Day, for the practice of decorating graves with wreaths and flags. And there were so many graves — more than 300,000 men had died on the Union side, and nearly as many for the Confederacy. In total, more died on both sides of the Civil War than in every other US conflict through the Korean War, combined. It wasn’t long, though, before remembrance began to be overshadowed by celebration. Within a year, the New York Times opined the holiday would no longer be “sacred” if parades and speeches became more central than the act of memorializing the dead. Which is precisely what happened, especially after Congress in 1971 fixed Memorial Day as the last Monday in May, making it the perfect launchpad for summer, with an increasingly perfunctory nod to the holiday’s original purpose.The gap between those for whom Memorial Day is a moment of remembrance versus three days of hot dogs and hamburgers will likely only grow in the future, as veterans of previous wars pass away and the divide between America’s all-volunteer military and its civilians deepens. Fewer than 1 percent of the US adult population serves in the military, and those still signing up increasingly come from a small handful of regions and families with a history of military service. (You can include my own family in that ever rarer number: My brother is a retired Army captain who served in Iraq.)With ever-inflating military spending — now nearing $1 trillion, according to one estimate — the footprint of the US military is hardly shrinking, but the number of those who will potentially be called on to give what Abraham Lincoln called the “last full measure of devotion” is.Yet there’s a greater gap embedded in Memorial Day: It’s between those who died as warfighters (to use one of the Pentagon’s terms), and the far greater number around the world who have died not as war’s participants, but as its victims. When civilians die in warThe past is not just a foreign country to us, but a bloody one. From the interpersonal to the international, conflict was a constant throughout much of human history. Between 1500 and 1800, there was hardly a year when great powers weren’t enmeshed in some kind of war. Though war became somewhat less common as we entered the 1900s, it did not become less deadly. Far from it — while the death toll of war in the past was more chiefly concentrated among combatants, the 20th century saw the awful blossoming of total war, where little to no distinction was made between those fighting the war and the civilians on the sidelines, and new weapons enabled mass, indiscriminate killing.Go back to the Civil War, which sits at the junction between battle as it had long been practiced and the greater horror it would become. Over 600,000 soldiers were killed in the conflict, against at least 50,000 civilians, ranging from those killed directly to the many who died in the wake of war, from starvation and disease. That number was terrible, yet in the wars to come, it would only grow.In the First World War, a roughly equal number of combatants and civilians were killed globally — approximately 10 million on each side. In the Second World War, more combatants were killed than in any other conflict in human history, a toll nearing 15 million. Yet for every soldier, sailor, or airman who was killed, nearly one and a half civilians would die, totaling, by one count, almost 40 million. The last of the dead would come in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, when as many as 210,000 people — nearly all of them Japanese civilians — died in the first and so far only atomic bombings. Not only were these new weapons capable of murdering at a vastly larger scale than ever before, but they existed chiefly to threaten the lives of noncombatants. Thankfully, given the weapons militaries now had at their disposal, World War II was the high mark for war deaths. In the decades that followed, deaths in battle for both combatants and civilians sharply declined, minus the occasional spike in conflicts like the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Even with the recent resurgence of conflict, people around the world today are much less likely to die in war than their ancestors, which is one of the most undeniable — if tenuous — markers of our species’ under-appreciated progress.Yet even in this era of comparative peace, civilians still bear the brunt of war when it comes, including when it is fought by the United States. According to Brown University’s Costs of War project, more civilians were likely directly killed in post-9/11 conflicts than fighters on either side — and when the number of indirect deaths from starvation and destruction are included, that gulf only widens. In Ukraine, at least 12,910 civilians have been killed in the war as of March 31, including nearly 700 children, while nearly 31,000 civilians have been injured. In a single large-scale Russian missile attack on April 24, at least nine civilians were killed and 90 were injured, including 12 children.In Gaza, accurately counting the civilian death toll has been all but impossible, but the most recent UN estimates put the number of dead children, women, and elderly people at north of 27,000, with thousands of dead bodies still unidentified. Even those civilians who have escaped death face the real risk of starvation, with Israel only now allowing trickled of aid in after a blockade that has lasted more than two months. And of course, Israel itself lost nearly 700 civilians in the October 7 attacks, while many noncombatants are still held hostage by Hamas and other militant groups.And the ongoing war in Sudan — which has received only a fraction of the global attention of Ukraine and Gaza — has led to horrifying levels of civilian death. Last year Tom Perriello, then the US envoy for Sudan, estimated that at least 150,000 people had died of war-related causes, while 13 million people have been forced to flee their homes.A new kind of Memorial DayThe US has its Memorial Day to honor fallen soldiers, while other countries have their Remembrance Day, their Victory Day. Yet there are only a handful of monuments to honor the countlessly greater number of civilians killed in war.It’s not hard to imagine why. As the shift in perception around the Vietnam Veterans Memorial has shown — from unpatriotic atrocity to a celebrated work of national mourning — we can honor the sacrifice of service members who died in a war, even if we don’t believe in the war. But the death of those who died without a rifle in hand, who died in childhood and infancy, who died because they could not fight and could not be protected, shows war for what it ultimately is: a waste. And we can’t begin to know how to mark the unmarked.America has been a historical exception in many ways, but perhaps no more so than that its civilian citizens have largely escaped the scourge of war. (Though the same, of course, can hardly be said for its Indigenous populations, so long treated as enemy combatants in their own land.) Americans have fought and Americans have died, but at an ever-increasing remove, a distance that grows with each Memorial Day. The general decline of war is one of our great accomplishments as humans, something to be unequivocally celebrated. Perhaps we would feel that more if we gave the deaths of civilians the same honor as that of soldiers — a new kind of Memorial Day that can begin here. A version of this story was initially published in the Future Perfect newsletter. Sign up here to subscribe!Update, May 26, 2025, 8 am ET: This story was first published on May 31, 2023, has been updated to include new data on civilian deaths in Gaza, Israel, Sudan, and Ukraine.You’ve read 1 article in the last monthHere at Vox, we're unwavering in our commitment to covering the issues that matter most to you — threats to democracy, immigration, reproductive rights, the environment, and the rising polarization across this country.Our mission is to provide clear, accessible journalism that empowers you to stay informed and engaged in shaping our world. By becoming a Vox Member, you directly strengthen our ability to deliver in-depth, independent reporting that drives meaningful change.We rely on readers like you — join us.Swati SharmaVox Editor-in-ChiefSee More:

The best summer wreaths are a warm-weather update on traditionally festive decor, substituting holly and pine for colorful flowers and lush greenery. Fresh, faux, or dried, there are a number of floral, botanical, and beach-inspired interpretations to dress up your doorway or a naked wall in your home. “Summer wreaths are prettiest when they are full of herbs and wildflowers,” says Sarah Storms, the founder of Styled by Storms in Maplewood, New Jersey, and a member of the AD PRO Directory. “I like when they have a bit of whimsy to them as well.” And while there’s a lot to love about a handmade wreath design, sometimes we can only muster up the strength to click “Add to Cart.” That’s why we scoured the internet for the best seasonal pieces to greet your guests (plus some you could easily display year-round).Our top picks for the best summer wreaths:For indoor/outdoor versatility: West Elm Faux Succulent Wreath, $149For a home-tour look: McGee & Co. Faux Wild Grass & Eucalyptus Wreath, $168For a pop of color: Terrain Dried Painter’s Palette Wreath, from $98For statement-making: Crate & Barrel Live Hydrangea Berry Wreath, $199Best budget pick: Chiyinbao Eucalyptus Wreath, $32Low-maintenance luxury: Winward Home Magnolia Wreath, $590West Elm Faux Succulent WreathSucculents are generally low-maintenance plants, but West Elm makes it even more convenient with this faux summer wreath featuring realistic-looking cacti. Display it on the front door or make it the centerpiece in your dining room for a fresh spin on a living arrangement.McGee & Co. Faux Wild Grass & Eucalyptus WreathThe first thing you spot in Shea McGee’s Salt Lake City home is the leafy wreath hanging on the door, and the designer even sells her own one embellished with faux greenery if you want to recreate the look. Faux magnolia leaves intertwine with artificial eucalyptus for decor that will look evergreen all season, indoors or out.Terrain Dried Painter’s Palette WreathAnother dried floral alternative, this wreath from Anthropologie’s garden and home brand Terrain provides an artful pop of color for spring and summer, with craspedia, coxcomb, caspia, and other brightly hued flowers in the mix. Due to its delicate nature, this wreath is best for indoor display—maybe as a statement piece in a gallery wall or surrounding an otherwise drab fruit bowl.Crate & Barrel Live Hydrangea Berry WreathHomes bathed in neutral hues can benefit from a textured wreath like this one from Crate & Barrel. In partnership with Creekside Farms in Greenfield, California, this live eucalyptus, boxwood, and hydrangea wreath will eventually dry and can last for up to a year. To better preserve it, consider placing it indoors or on a front door with a screen or glass barrier.Chiyinbao Eucalyptus WreathYou don’t need a special occasion to enjoy a summer wreath, but this one is elegant enough to hold court at a backyard wedding or milestone birthday bash. We like that it has an approachable price point, in case you want to stock up on multiples.Pottery Barn Faux Peony WreathPink peony is the main character in this faux floral wreath. Made for indoor use only, it’s a warm and charming addition to an entryway, bedroom shelf, or floral-themed nursery.Williams Sonoma Garden Party Live WreathThis garden wreath comes recommended by Storms and is packed with lavender, poppy pods, wheat, and more air-dried botanicals. Sourced with locally grown botanicals and crafted in Washington, it’s a wreath that perfectly captures the “garden party” in its name.Winward Home Magnolia WreathWinward Home refers to its products as “permanent botanicals,” and the luxury replicas are designed and hand-assembled in California. This wreath is punctuated by several magnolia flowers that stand out against a leafy backdrop. Because of its faux materials and white and green colorway, it’s versatile enough to display all year.Magnolia Daisy WreathDaisies are another quintessential summer staple for gardening enthusiasts, adding subtle charm to any bare-bones space. The artfully arranged style from Magnolia looks like the real deal, but it’s made from polyethylene for all-year-round display.Hudson Grace Fresh Citrus Sunrise WreathInterior designers have been adding citrus to tablescapes for years, but in wreath form they feel extra special. This design from The Magnolia Company features fresh citrus slices carefully tucked into olive and salal leaves to enhance the spread you’ll be serving. Each wreath is handmade, so each one will be distinct from the next.Colorspec Olive WreathWreaths also make excellent housewarming or hostess gifts to welcome new neighbors or surprise a friend with something other than a bottle of wine. This eucalyptus design we spotted on Amazon is an especially thoughtful pick since olives symbolize peace and friendship.Williams Sonoma Bleached Fleur De Sel Live WreathThis coastal-inspired wreath is ideal for a beach home, combining nautical motifs such as shells and starfish with dried flowers and painted twigs. The bleached blooms create a peaceful effect in a bedroom or bathroom while blending into your design scheme.

Pictured above, Cynara by Osborne & Little, shot at Dutch Flower Line.There’s something ineffably romantic about an early morning sprint through New York City’s Flower District. Tucked along West 28th Street, this energetic and fragrant corridor has long been a mecca for interior designers, stylists, and creatives. Buckets overflow with ruffled ranunculus, chartreuse parrot tulips, and branches of cherry blossoms stretching skyward—each one an ephemeral muse. For me, it’s not just about blooms, it’s about fabric.This season a wave of new floral textiles has burst forth (April showers… as it goes). From delicately block-printed and hand-embroidered linens to screen-printed silks and bold cotton chintzes, textile houses are turning to flowers not merely as motif but as mood. As florals reassert themselves this season, there’s no better place to begin than the Flower Market, where scent, texture, and color convene like a mood board in bloom. Supporting this local institution not only sustains a vital creative ecosystem, it keeps the soul of the city’s design scene alive and rooted in community. In this garden of inspiration, flowers are forever.Jennifer LivingstonSandrine by Leah O’Connell Textiles, shot at G. Page.Jennifer LivingstonFrom left: Francesca Purple by Tulu Textiles; Frenchy by James Malone available through John Rosselli, shot at US Evergreen.Jennifer LivingstonPersephone by Spring Street Textiles, shot at Dutch Flower Line.My Favorite SourcesNew York Flower Group (Dutch Flower Line)150 W. 28th StreetThis team has some of the best service and freshest blooms in every color. If you need something specific, call ahead to place an order.28th Street Wholesale150 W. 28th StreetAlthough it has the same address, this shop is next door to the New York Flower Group. They carry interesting seasonal branches and offerings, such as, in season, uncut tulips growing from the bulb.Caribbean Cuts120 W. 28th StreetWith some of the most unique and exotic tropical plants and flowers, this is the place to go for the most interesting foliage and fruit.US Evergreen805 Sixth AvenueRight around the corner, this institution takes over the street and is bursting with the best local branches. It also specializes in custom wreaths and garlands during the holidays, so place your orders early for next season.Tropical Plants and Orchids106 W. 28th StreetChicly located behind the McDonald’s, I always check Tropical Plant for myrtle topiaries and indoor plants, like maiden’s hair ferns or potted orchids—they tend to have the best prices on the block. Plus, they’ll pot anything beautifully with moss.Jamali Floral and Garden149 W. 28th StreetThe go-to source for floral supplies, basic decorative containers, and shears. Head to Jamali to grab some simple taper candles or a julep cup.Jennifer LivingstonBeaton Floral by Ralph Lauren Home, available through Designers Guild, shot outside of Jamali Floral and Garden.Jennifer LivingstonProtea Print by Thibaut, shot at Caribbean Cuts.Jennifer LivingstonPolka by Décors Barbares for Namay Samay, available through John Rosselli, shot outside of 28th Street Wholesale.What to KnowGo early: I recommend arriving between 5:30 and 6 a.m. for the freshest finds and best variety. You’d be surprised how crowded it is with floral designers and stylists, even at this hour.Dress warmly: Since the temperatures inside are often quite low (for the flowers), I recommend bringing an extra layer and dressing for utilitarian purposes—Mother Nature isn’t always the cleanest. Park on 27th Street: Street parking is free on 27th Street but only until 8 a.m. Avoid 28th Street for parking and Uber pickup, as it is always extremely crowded.Use the shelves: The open shelves in the rear of each shop are for customers. It’s really helpful to arrange everything you’re considering buying facing outward so you can see what you have and what you’re missing.Walk the street: I recommend starting on one side of the market and walking across 28th Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues to see who has the best of whatever is in season at the moment. Make a mental list and then go back when ready to purchase.Bring a wagon: I am now the proud owner of a collapsible wagon. While not the most attractive item I own, it’s helpful if you’re working on a big project and don’t have an extra pair of hands. Be respectful: Everyone working at the market is super-knowledgeable, kind, and hardworking. I’ve sadly seen some horrifying customer behavior. In a place chock-full of beauty, no one needs to make enemies.Jennifer LivingstonPansy by Marvic Textiles, shot at 28th Street Wholesale.Jennifer LivingstonHindi by Zak and Fox, shot at Dutch Flower Line.Jennifer LivingstonTara Magnolia by Lee Jofa, shot outside of Tropical Plants and Orchids.Style assistant: Julia Stevens