<bgsound src="PAT-springtime.mid"> Springtime on a Peaceful Hill

History of Memorial Day

Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, was begun as a way to honor the fallen soldiers of the Civil War. It was first mentioned in 1865 in Waterloo, New York, that there shouod be a day devoted to honoring the dead of the Civil War. In 1866 the idea was adopted and the townspeople began making and placing crosses and bouquets for each Civil War veteran's grave. May 5, 1866 found flags flown at half mast and a procession was led from cemetary to cemetary with speeches and words from clergymen. These ceremonies were again repeated on May 5, 1867. On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic (an organization of former soldiers and sailors) declared in General Order No.11 that: "The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit." The first ceremony on May 30, 1868, was truly inspired by the local observances that had been taking place in many towns across America since the end of the Civil War. At this first celebration of Decoration Day General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetary, after which 5,000 participants helped decorate over 20,000 graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers who were buried in the cemetary. By the late 1800's many cities across the country had begun to celebrate Memorial Day. After World War I it was decided to honor all of America's fallen from every war. Memorial Day had truly become a day of solemn observences for all honored dead. In 1966, 100 years after that first celebration in Waterloo, New York, the federal government declared Waterloo as the offical birthplace of Memorial Day. Although many cities (both Northern and Southern) claimed to be the birthplace of Memorial Day, Waterloo was chosen because it had continued as an annual, community-wide event where businesses closed and residents placed flowers and flags on the graves of those Civil War soldiers. The Memorial Day Museum, a restored 1850's home on Waterloo's Main Street, now houses artifacts from the Civil War era. In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May. On this day a small American flag is placed on each grave in Arlington National Cemetary. The President or Vice-President gives a speech honoring the contibutions of those dead and then lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In September of 1950 then President Harry Truman made a rather uncaring statement that Marines were only Navy police, which was published in newspapers across the country. This statement irritated my Grandfather McClintock as his eldest child had just left for a second tour of service in the Marines. Below is my Grandfather's response to President Truman's remark that was printed in the Cleveland Press in September of 1950. Marine's Father Speaks Up Yesterday (Sept 24) I said goodbye to my son, who marched away for the second time as a U.S. Marine. Tonight I pick up the Press and read the remarks of President Truman in regards to the U.S. Marine Corps. I would like to ask Truman if the Marine blood on the beaches of Guadacanal, Tarawa, Wake Island, Iwo Jima and Saipan, to mention a few of the Marine encounters with the enemy of our country, could be called propaganda. And, if the Gold Star Mothers of these Marines think so. There is as much difference between a policeman and a soldier as there is between day and night. So, if these Marines are only Navy police, why in heavens name are they fighting and dying in Korea? I can't help but wonder how the rest of the loved ones of those Marines who yesterday marched away feel after reading how their Commander in Chief feels towards them. And, what it will do to morale of the Marines everywhere. Elmer. E. McClintock, Sr., 1510 W. 27th St. Here in Northeast Ohio there are many community observances of Memorial Day. Speechs are made, flags are placed on veteran's graves, parades and other community events are held. For myself the day is begun at the President James A. Garfield Memorial located at Lake View Cemetary in Cleveland, Ohio. This historical cemetary, located at 12316 Euclid Avenue, is a lovely 285-acre site residing on Cleveland's east-side since 1869. The Memorial Day service is an annual event in which various patriotic organizations lay their wreaths, a JROTC color guard raises the flag, and speeches are made. I will again be representing the Western Reserve-Lakewood Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and this year my young cousin Madison will be representing the S.A.R. by placing their wreath. The USPS band plays patriotic music and at the end of the ceremony you can visit the historic Memorial itself. In past years the guest speakers have been the mayors, generals, admirals and others who serve or have served their country in some respect. The song playing on this page is a patriotic song known as "Springtime on a Peaceful Hill". I felt that his tune with its somber sound and haunting melody was the most appropriate for a solemn observance as Memorial Day. I hope that you like it as much as I do. To me it symbolizes the peace that one feels when visiting a cemetary or memorial. Holiday Topsights List - Click Here to Vote For Us Visit our other Holiday Pages: Sign Our Guestbook     View Our Guestbook Divider Courtesy of: Animated Book Courtesy of: Patriotic Graphics Courtesy of: Iwo Jima Background©, Memorial Day Header©, Decoration Day Card© and Flag Homebutton© by Laurie **Please do not take** Historical information courtesy of The History Channel and Groliers Encyclopedia