Message from the Mayor: Memorial Day

This federal holiday is observed on the last Monday in May to honor those men and women who have died in combat while serving in the U.S. Military. The month of May was selected because flowers are in bloom to decorate the graves of soldiers. The official Federal Holiday was set aside in 1971. This year, Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 31, 2021.

Decoration Day, the original name was selected to set a national uniform activity of commemoration by decorating the graves of our fallen soldiers. Started soon after the Civil War the need was created for proper burial because of so many fallen soldiers. For instance, Arlington National Cemetery contains over 400,000 grave sites (most of which are our fallen combat veterans) sitting on 639 acres owned by the U.S. Army.

Honoring those who served include family gatherings, planned visits to memorials and cemeteries where the heros are interred. Each year, parades were organized and given to also honor the living soldiers. These were all part of the popular traditions for Memorial Day.

Growing up, I had the privilege to be a member of our marching band- a timeless tradition of participation in school.  The parades were very long, typically from 9 am until 1 pm (or later) depending on the number of groups who participated. As we marched to the reviewing stand, we paused and faced the stand to acknowledge those veterans gathered there. We would then play a patriotic number for all the dignitaries, thereafter stop for a moment of silence then continue marching. In addition, there were decorated veterans either walking in the parade or in a vehicle. It was really a thrill and an honor to be part of the tradition. In fact it brought communities and residents together each year. We all learned and cherished mutual respect and adoration which never left me. This represents a true time-honored American Identity.

Let us never lose sight of the importance of this Holiday and may it never be combined with others. Unfortunately, many will engage in parties, barbecues, and vacations since this is the unofficial start of the summer season without a thought of such an important day.

American flags should be at half-staff until noon then full staff until sundown. Please acknowledge the service of those active, retired military and those who have fallen this Memorial Day. 

“FREEDOM IS NOT FREE”

IT WAS THE VETERAN, not the reporter who gave us freedom of the press
IT WAS THE VETERAN, not the poet who gave us freedom of speech
IT WAS THE VETERAN, not the campus organizer who gave us freedom to demonstrate
IT WAS THE VETERAN, who salutes the flag who served beneath the flag and whose coffin is draped by the flag.
If you love your freedom
THANK A VET ! “

 Thank you,
Mayor John L. Madden