Show your respect | List.ify.Me

Today is Memorial Day, a day first set aside in the 1860s by communities across the nation as a way to honor the recent war dead in the bloody Civil War.

Gen. Jon Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in General Order No. 11, officially proclaimed Memorial Day on May 5, 1868, and it was first observed on May 31 of that same year.

It was originally called Decoration Day and after World War I, its meaning was changed from honoring those who died in the Civil War to honoring those who died fighting in any war.

In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday by an act of Congress, though it is still often called Decoration Day.

It’s been noted that the traditional observance of Memorial Day has waned over the years, with veterans’ graves neglected and communities not having parades to honor those who have given their all in service to their county.

Such is not the case here. A listing, although not complete, of local events that people can attend is:

Midland

•8 a.m. – General Order Number 11 read by Judge John H. Hart at Veteran section, Midland cemetery.

•8:30 a.m.- Naval ceremony, upper bridge, Currie Parkway.

•9 a.m. – Presentation of wreaths, speaker U.S. Rep. Dave Camp, Midland County Veterans Memorial at the Midland County Courthouse.

•10 a.m. – Memorial Day Parade.

•After the parade, Memorial Day concluding ceremonies, State Rep. Jim Stamas speaking, Central Park Band Shell.

Sanford

• 1 p.m. – Memorial Day Parade.

Coleman

Sunday

•Noon – John Michael Montgomery Concert, Coleman Veterans Memorial.

Monday

•7:30 a.m.- Pancake Breakfast, Coleman VFW.

•9:30 a.m. – Memorial Day Parade.

•11 a.m. – Unveiling female combat soldier at Coleman Veterans Memorial.

Take the time to attend one of these events and show your respect for those who have given their lives for your freedom.