Confederate Heroes' Day is observed annually on April 26 in many southern U.S. states to commemorate the soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the Confederacy during the American Civil War. This day serves as a time for reflection on the sacrifices and achievements of these soldiers, who are remembered for their dedication to their beliefs. While most states celebrate on or near April 26, Alabama and Florida observe it on the fourth Monday in April, Mississippi on the last Monday in April, and the Carolinas on May 10. The holiday, also known as Confederate Memorial Day or Confederate Decoration Day, originated from a resolution by the Ladies Memorial Association in Georgia. It was first celebrated as a public holiday in 1874, and today, Alabama, Mississippi, and South Carolina recognize it as a public holiday, while Florida and North Carolina observe it without closing offices and banks.