We celebrate Memorial Day on the last Monday of May each year, using that day to remember and honor our servicemen and women who have paid the ultimate price.
The Origin and Evolution: Memorial Day began in the late 1860s, after the American Civil War, the deadliest war in U.S. history. That first day of observance was proclaimed in towns and cities nationwide. Flowers, wreaths, and flags were placed on the graves of soldiers who had died in the war. It was a tribute to the fallen of both sides who had died in combat, a ritual that would evolve into Decoration Day.
After World War I, Congress broadened the definition to include any American serviceman killed in battle. In 1966, the federal government recognized Waterloo, New York, as the “Birthplace of Memorial Day,” under then-President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Memorial Day was officially established on January 15, 1971, the date it would be commemorated moving forward as a federal holiday, celebrated on the last Monday in May.
Memorial Day vs. Veterans Day: Veterans Day honors all military veterans, while Memorial Day honors service members who have died during duty or in combat, regardless of their time or place of service.
Relevance Today: Memorial Day is an annual accounting of the cost of freedom. Its true meaning is remembering those who died in service to America.
Memorial Day Schedule of Events
Woodville
9:45 Evergreen Cemetery
Placing of Wreaths: by the American Legion and Scouts
Reading: “Gettysburg Address”
Remarks
Gun Salute
Taps
Mayhew Street
10:15 King Flag Pole
Placing of Wreaths: by the American Legion and Scouts
Prayer
10:30 St. John’s Cemetery
Placing of Wreaths: by the American Legion and Scouts
Prayer: Rev. Richard Cannon, Pastor at St. John’s Church
Gun Salute
Taps
10:45 Soldiers Mound, Mt. Auburn
Salute to the Flag: Girl Scouts
Reading: “Gettysburg Address”
Placing of Wreaths: by the American Legion and Scouts
Remarks: Michael Whalen
Gun Salute
Taps
Town Common
11:15 Memorial Gazebo
Music: HHS Band
Prayer: Rev. David Melvin
Placing of Wreaths: by the American Legion and Scouts
Reading: “Gettysburg Address”
Remarks: Mike Arakelian, Old Guard New England
Remarks: Hopkinton Select Board
ReKeynote Speaker: Lt. Brandon Sarrasin, USAF
Music: HHS Band
Gun Salute
Taps
Raising of the Flag: by Scotty Mackin, along with the singing of the National Anthem with the Hopkinton High School Band
