This weekend, citizens around the United States will celebrate Memorial Day. For many, it’s just another long weekend, the unofficial start of summer. For others, however, it is a time to reflect and remember those who have died while fighting in our country’s wars.
Memorial Day has been observed since 1868, when General John Logan declared May 30 as a day to decorate the graves of the war dead. This may not have been the true origin of the day, however, as other local communities were taking similar action as early as 1866.
Today, many communities hold Memorial Day observances. Our small town will hold a patriotic program consisting of music, speeches, and remembrances, and local military organizations will conduct commemorations at local cemeteries.
In other areas, parades are held to mark the day. If you’d like celebrate Memorial Day by attending a parade, here are some good choices:
- Washington, D.C.: The National Memorial Day Parade. May 31, 2:00 p.m. This parade will be live-streamed and broadcast on television. All 50 states will be represented in the parade.
- Chicago, Illinois: May 29, 12 noon. This is one of the oldest largest Memorial Day parades in the country.
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin: May 31, 2:00 p.m., followed by a memorial wreath-laying ceremony.
- Naperville, Illinois: May 31, 10:30 a.m. A program and concert will follow the parade.
- Dearborn, Michigan: May 31, 10:30 a.m. This 86th annual event will remember those who have fallen, and honor those who have served.
Additional Memorial Day observances can be found at Uptake.com.
Please take some time this weekend to remember that this holiday is more than just a three-day weekend, and pause to reflect on those who have died in service to our country during wartime.
How does your community observe Memorial Day?
To learn more about the history of Memorial Day, visit the Department of Veterans’ Affairs or U.S. Memorial Day.
Photo credit: minnemom on flickr
Linda (minnemom) writes about family travel at Travels with Children.
She will be participating in her community’s Memorial Day observance this year.
Related:
13 Places to Honor American Veterans
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[...] Memorial Day Parades in the United States AKPC_IDS += "22175,"; [...]
[...] year my family and I had an awesome Memorial Day weekend here in New York City. The weekend celebrations coincide with the ending of Fleet Week as well. [...]
[...] in war in service to the United States of America. Many communities have memorial programs or parades to mark the day, and honor guards visit local cemeteries to offer [...]
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