Rep. Dave Severin | repseverin.com
Rep. Dave Severin | repseverin.com
In a May 29 Facebook post, Rep. Dave Severin (R-Marion) commemorated the Memorial Day holiday.
"This weekend, while many Illinoisans will enjoy time off relaxing, cleaning up the yard, hosting barbecues, swimming, fishing, going to ball games, and hitting the road to visit loved ones, many others will be taking time to commemorate Memorial Day, a day that means so much to Gold Star families and our entire nation and her free citizens," Severin posted.
According the the History Channel, what we now know as Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day. According to History.com, the day was created by proclamation of Illinois resident General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic. The first major Memorial Day observance was held to honor those who died "in defense of their country during the late rebellion."
A celebration in Carbondale on April 29, 1866, is thought to be the first community-wide observance of Decoration Day, according to the Journal-Courier; 212 veterans from the area participated.
There were a variety of parades and events to mark Memorial Day 2022 across the state.
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