In Remembrance on Memorial Day 2025
A child waves a bundle of flags while placing them at the foot of graves at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery on the grounds of Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home and Cemetery on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson) A.P. Image ID : 24316827131997
by Patricia Giles, Reference & Instruction Librarian, Learning and Academic Engagement
In the aftermath of the Civil War, on May 30, 1868, General John A. Logan proclaimed a day to honor and decorate the graves of Union soldiers who had died in the conflict. It was called Decoration Day, and it became a recognized tradition across the United States, with states and communities commemorating it in various ways. In 1971, Congress established Memorial Day as a federal holiday, setting its observance on the last Monday in May. This shift created a three-day weekend and encouraged broader participation in memorial events nationwide.
Memorial Day weekend is often welcomed as time to embrace the beginning of summer. However, for veterans, those in service and military-connected families, it holds a much deeper meaning—it is a solemn day to honor and mourn the loved ones they have lost in service. In an interview with the Wounded Warrior Project, U.S. Marine Corps veteran David Daly reflected on this significance, saying, “It reminds us all that while the day-to-day events of the world often paint a picture of gloom and doom, we still live in a place where heroes are among us. While these brave souls have passed in service, their memory is honored on Memorial Day to remind us that we had the privilege of existing on the same plane as them, even if it was only for a moment.”
In remembrance of those who attended Syracuse University and sacrificed their lives in service to their country, the Libraries created a book display of five books in our collection that address the history and other issues around Memorial Day. Alongside these books are photos of three Syracuse University alumni who were killed in combat, each with a paragraph about the person, their connection to SU, and the circumstances of their death. The libraries created a research guide for those who are remote or would like additional information. Syracuse University is thankful for the service and sacrifice of these alumni.
“Memorial Day History.” National Cemetery Administration, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. https://www.cem.va.gov/history/Memorial-Day-history.asp
“What is Memorial Day: Facts, Meaning, and History.” Wounded Warrior Project. https://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/What-is-Memorial-Day-Facts-Meaning-and-History