State Representative Kevin Schmidt (IL) | Representative Kevin Schmidt (R) 114th District
State Representative Kevin Schmidt (IL) | Representative Kevin Schmidt (R) 114th District
Each year, the United States observes Memorial Day on the last Monday of May to honor military personnel who have died in service. The day is a time for reflection and remembrance, particularly for families in Illinois and across the nation.
Memorial Day, initially known as Decoration Day, began after the Civil War when communities in both the North and South honored fallen soldiers by placing flowers on their graves. By 1868, it was renamed Memorial Day and expanded after World War I to include all American military personnel who died in wars.
In 1971, Memorial Day became an official federal holiday. It is observed through various activities such as visiting cemeteries or memorials, family gatherings, and parades. Major cities like Chicago, New York, and Washington D.C. host some of the largest parades.
For those in Illinois seeking ways to commemorate the day meaningfully, there are parades, ceremonies, festivals, and local gatherings available. A full list of events can be found curated by Enjoy Illinois.
"This Memorial Day," people are encouraged to "remember with gratitude, with reverence, and with purpose."
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