Memorial Day events
By Elizabeth Wood West
Memorial Day, originally referred to as “Decoration Day,” is observed every year on the last Monday of May. This federal holiday was established after the American Civil War in 1868 by the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union veterans founded in Decatur, Illinois. It was designated as a time for the nation to honor the men and women who served in the military by decorating their graves with flowers. Today, many people follow this Memorial Day tradition by honoring both veterans and family members.
Below is a list of several Memorial Day ceremonies that are open to the public:
Ft. Logan National Cemetery – ceremony at 11 a.m.
Castle Rock ceremony – Cedar Hill Cemetery at 10 a.m.
Sedalia ceremony – St. Philip in the Field at 11 a.m.
Parker ceremony – “Memorial Day Veterans Service of Remembrance,” held at the Parker Cemetery at 10 a.m.
Highlands Ranch – No official ceremony; the Highlands Ranch American Legion will place flags at the Highlands Ranch Veterans Monument to honor fallen veterans.
For more information, contact David Maxwell, manager of Douglas County Office of Veterans Affairs at 303-663-6257 or email dmaxwell@douglas.co.us.
