By Genine Hopkins
It began as Decoration Day, a time to decorate the graves off fallen soldiers with flowers, wreaths, and flags. First observed more widely on May 30, 1868, it was a day to remember all of those soldiers who gave their lives in service during the Civil War, with a proclamation by General John A. Logan, who served with the members of the Grand Army of the Republic recognizing former Union sailors and soldiers. At that commemoration, Ohio Congressman and future U.S. President James Garfield addressed those at Arlington National Cemetery where gravers were decorated. It continued with local commemorations in towns throughout the U.S. and in 1873, New York was the first state to declare Memorial Day a legal holiday. Eventually, in 1971, Congress declared the last Monday of May the day to honor all those who gave their lives in service to their country in the U.S., and Memorial Day was finally given its proper title and place in our country.
This year, Memorial Day falls on May 25th and Harrison will hold a ceremony honoring the day at the Veterans Freedom Park 200 W. Main Street. The events of the late morning commemoration begins at 11 a.m., with a Welcome and Posting of Colors and the National Anthem. Speakers will include Allisha Gary, Clare County Veterans Service Officer, Jerry Knorp, Commander, American Legion Post 404, and Scott Taylor, Commander, VFW Post 1075. The Keynote Speaker will be Ben Ambrose, who served in Iraq/Afghanistan and is a Marine Corps Veteran.
A Placing of the Wreaths and Retirement of the Colors will end the program, and attendees are welcome to a lunch to follow at American Legion Post 404, located at 1267 W. M-61 just west of downtown Harrison.
