Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, was created and celebrated in remembrance and honor of soldiers who died serving in the United States’ Civil War.
It was named Decoration Day because family members and friends would gather at the graves of their loved ones who were killed in service to their country.
The first national observance and name change to Memorial Day occurred May 30, 1868, when Commander in Chief John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic issued a proclamation to officially recognize the holiday.
The observance of Decoration Day spread quickly throughout the southern States.
Beginning in 1873 it became recognized in New York City and other northern states soon followed. By 1890, every Union state had adopted the observance. In 1971, Congress established Memorial Day as a National Holiday and changed its observance date to the last Monday in May. The observation grew to include memorization of loved ones who were not part of the military.
From 1775 to 2024, there have been more than 2 million casualties of war and approximately 81,000 soldiers reported as missing in action.
The United States has maintained more than 62 national monuments, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. Each Memorial Day, the sitting president also visits and places a wreath on behalf of the nation.
Memorial Day has now grown to be a day of memorization and celebration of non-military family and friends. In many households, it is regarded as the kick-off to summer.
Below are a few suggestions as to how you and your family might celebrate Memorial Day.
OAK PARK
Celebration and community sing-along
Monday, May 27
11 a.m.
Peace Triumphant Memorial Scoville Park in Oak Park, Illinois
Featuring Brian Flora, Vietnam veteran and retired U.S. diplomat, Sen. Don Harmon and Oak Park Village President Vicki Scaman
RIVER FOREST
Memorial Day Parade and Celebration
Monday, May 27, 9:30 a.m.
River Forest Park District, Village of River Forest, and Kiwanis Club of River Forest-Oak Park present the 99th annual River Forest Memorial Day parade, ceremony and community picnic. The parade kicks off at Augusta and Ashland, traveling south on Ashland to Lake Street, then west to Keystone Park. The parade will end at Keystone Park with a ceremony and free hotdog lunch. More than 100 entries participate annually in the Parade, with thousands of residents lining the route, making this day one of the highlights of the year in the Village of River Forest.
