In 1868, Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) Commander-in-Chief John A, Logan issued General Order #11 calling for all G.A.R. Departments and Posts to set aside the 30th of May as a day for remembering the sacrifices of fallen comrades, "... by the of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in the defense of their county ..." , thereby beginning the commemoration of Decoration Day (later Memorial Day).

Out of this G.A.R. designation, legislation subsequently was passed by every state in the Union establishing May 30th as Memorial Day. This remained as such for over 100 years until 1971 when Congressional legislation made it into just another 3-day weekend; resulting in many cities and town to forget its significance and no longer commemorate either the actual or federally observed date of Memorial Day.

Eaton Rapids is not counted among those neglectful cities and towns. It still decorates the graves of the fallen and marches in solemn tribute to their service to our country. The Eaton Rapids Memorial Day parade and program on Memorial Park takes place each year on the last Monday in May. In addition to this, on the Saturday prior to Memorial Day, flags are place on Veterans’ graves in Rosehill Cemetery.

Come and be a part of Eaton Rapids’ Memorial Day commemoration by helping to place flags on the graves of our fallen service men and women on Saturday, May 27th and by attending the Memorial Day parade and programs on Monday, May 29th. If you can help with the flags, contact:

GARmichigan@gmail.com

The Memorial Day Parade and Program are sponsored by the Troy D. Nealey AMVETS Post 1583 and Michigan’s Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Hall and Museum.

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