Memorial Day 2011 is on 30th May in 2011.
Reprinted from memorialday2011.org
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day and officially proclaimed on 5 May 1868 by General John Logan, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.
Although there are many stories as to the actual beginnings, with over 24 cities claiming to be the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping" by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication "To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead".
While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.
Memorial Day Events
11 a.m.: Oak Orchard Riverdale American Legion Post 28 will hold its annual Memorial Day ceremony
The Indian River Volunteer Fire Company was honored to speak at this event as was Delaware House of Representative - 41st District - John C. Atkins; Sussex County Clerk of the Peace - George Parrish; WGMD Radio 92.7 Radio Personality - Bill Colley; and American Legion Post #28 Representative James Gallagher and others.
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