Soft and low music floats in the air as a trumpeter plays the mournful notes of the song “Taps”. Those who gather together reflect and remember the men and women who died serving in the United States military, or those who finished serving and became retired or separated veterans.
In a “usual” Memorial Day observance, the colors are posted, poems are read, speakers deliver inspirational messages, songs are song, deceased veterans names are read and memories are shared.
This year, Memorial Day 2020, will not be observed in its usual way due to social distancing compliance as asked for by the Minnesota State government and the federal government due to the dangers of the COVID-19 virus. But, that will not stop the remembrances for those who have family members that served in the military and gave of their time, talents and skills, and sometimes, their life.
Once known as Decoration Day because of the early traditions of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths and flags, Memorial Day was first widely observed on May 30, 1868 in commemoration of the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers. A proclamation by General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, named the date as Decoration Day. During that very first national commemoration, former Union General, and sitting Ohio Congressman James Garfield presented a speech at Arlington National Cemetery. Following the speech 5,000 participants helped with decorating the graves of more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers who were laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery.
New York became the first state to designate Memorial Day as a legal holiday on May 30, 1873. In the late 1800’s cities and communities in many states across America were observing Memorial Day as a legal holiday. In 1971, the Congress of the United States passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act that established Memorial Day as the last Monday of May.
For this year, Minnesotans who wish to honor service members will be able to do so through a virtual Memorial Day program offered by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. A special 30-minute television broadcast “Always Remember: A Minnesota Tribute to Veterans We’ve Lost” will air at 7:30 p.m., Monday evening, May 25th. It will be broadcast by Twin Cities Public Television. The program will include speeches from Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Larry Herke and Governor Tim Walz, as well as personal stories about fallen veterans, special music and a rifle salute.
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