Events in Mount Pleasant to observe Memorial Day
Mount Pleasant residents Nick Cononico, left, Chris Kowallic, center and Tim Fair of Shepherd, members of the honor guard from the Mount Pleasant Memorial VFW Post 3033, stand throughout the ceremony as fallen soldiers are commemorated Monday morning during the Memorial Day Parade near the Korean War Memorial at the intersection of Main Street and Broadway in May 2014.
The famous long holiday weekend filled with cookouts, friends, family and drinks is just around the corner.
Memorial Day is Monday, May 25, and is celebrated to honor the men and women who died while serving in the United States military.
"For me, Memorial Day is about remembering all the people who have lost their lives in conflict," said Tim Artibee, commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars in Mount Pleasant. "It's an important remembrance for them."
Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, Decoration Day was established by the Grand Army of the Republic, as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers from the war with flowers. Decoration Day was declared to be celebrated on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all across the country.
The first large recognition of the holiday was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery. However, it wasn't until after World War I that the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars.
In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress, though it is still often called Decoration Day. It was also then when the holiday was placed on the last monday in May.
To ensure the sacrifices of America's fallen heroes are never forgotten, in December 2000, Congress passed and the president signed into law "The National Moment of Remembrance Act." The act encourages all Americans to pause whatever they are doing at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to honor those who have lost their lives while serving the nation.
Cities across the country find ways to celebrate and recognize Memorial Day. Here are some of the events going on in Mount Pleasant this holiday.
Memorial Services
The American Legion, Varga Fall Post 383, will hold Memorial Day services May 25 at different times and locations.
Services will start at 9:30 a.m. at St. Henry's Cemetery. Other services will be held at 10 a.m. at Vernon Township Cemetery, 10:30 a.m. at Denver Township Cemetery, 11 a.m. at Woodland Cemetery and 11:30 a.m. at Rosebush Memorial Park. The final service will be held at noon at Varga Fall Post 383, located at 3963 Denver Road. A potluck will follow services at the post.
Memorial Day Parade
The American Legion Owen Barrett Post 110 will be hosting the Memorial Day Parade at 10 a.m. Monday in downtown Mount Pleasant. A luncheon will follow the parade at 1 p.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3033 at 4841 E Pickard St.
