Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. Established after the Civil War in 1868 by the Grand Army of the Republic – an organization of the Union veterans – it was a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the causalities of war with flowers. In the 20th century, both Union and Confederate holiday traditions were combined and Memorial Day was extended to honor all Americans who lost their lives while in the military service.
Although the name was widely used for more than 80 years, Memorial Day was not declared the holiday’s official name until a Federal law established it so in 1967. Then, in June, 1968, Congress passed the “Uniform Monday Holiday Act” which moved four holidays—including Memorial Day—from their traditional dates to a specified Monday in order to create a convenient three-day weekend (primarily for federal employees and the country’s growing tourism industry). That act moved Memorial Day from its traditional May 30 date to the last Monday in May, effective in 1971. However, it took a few years for all states to formally comply with this change.
This year, Memorial Day events are being held in and around the Walloon Lake area, between 8am and 1pm, on Monday, May 30.
Buses donated by the Charlevoix County Transit will leave from in front of the Boyne City American Legion Hall at 7:45 AM and transport Honor Guard to the cemeteries and back to the American Legion Hall.
Memorial Services will be held at the following locations throughout the morning:
8:00 AM…….Memorial Park, Boyne Falls
8:25 AM…….Melrose Township Memorial Park & Veterans Memorial, Walloon Lake*
8:50 AM…….Evangeline Cemetery, Evangeline Township
9:15 AM…….Dyer Cemetery, Bay Township
9:50 AM…….Lost at Sea, waterfront Veterans Memorial Park
10:10 AM…..Advance Cemetery, Eveline Township
10:45 AM…..Wilson Cemetery, Wilson Township
11:00 AM…..Maple Lawn Cemetery, Boyne City
The Memorial Day Procession will leave the Boyne City American Legion Post at 11:45AM and proceed North on Lake Street to the Veterans Memorial Park where the Memorial Day Observance will take place starting around 12:00PM. Anyone wishing to join in on our somber procession in a dignified manner may do so. A post float will be available for veterans unable to march.
At 12:00PM The National Colors with the POW/MIA flag below will be hoisted as the Boyne City High School Band plays our National Anthem, sung by Gaeyle Gerri-Boss.
The Flag of each of the six branches of service will be hoisted in their establishment order as the band plays their anthems starting with the Army, Marines, Navy & Merchant Marines, Coast Guard, Air Force, & Space Force.
All Veterans in or out of uniform are urged to please render a hand salute to the National Colors as they pass by, are hoisted, or lowered. All others please uncover & stand with their right hand over their heart. A hand salute is again in order as your branch of service Colors are posted, feel free to sing along especially when your branch anthem is played.
Stone benches at the memorial are reserved for handicapped people along with the tent that will provide shade/shelter for them also.
Memorial Service at Veterans Memorial Park includes:
Welcome………………………………..Dean Kleinschrodt American Legion Commander
Invocation………………………………………………Rick Bristol American Legion Chaplain
Pledge of Allegiance……………………………………………………………………….. Everyone
Placing of the wreaths…………………………………………………………. American Legion
POW/MIA Remembrance Service………………………………………….. American Legion Selections…………………………….Boyne City High School Band & Gaeyle Gerri-Boss
Addresses…………………………….. Dean Kleinschrodt American Legion Commander Benediction…………………………………………………………… American Legion Chaplain
Rifle Salute……………………………………………… The American Legion Honor Guard
Taps…………………………………………. Boyne City Marching Band – American Legion
*The World War II Memorial in Melrose Township Park was dedicated on Sunday, September 3, 1944. Made of stone, the memorial lists the names of 93 people from Melrose Township who were at the time serving in the Armed Forces. It was completed through the efforts of the Dean Scroggie Service Club, according to a 8/31/1944 article in the Northern Michigan Review. It also notes “two gold stars now appear on the list, by the names of Dean Scroggie and Russel Spaulding both of whom were killed in airplane crashes.” Another marker in the park recognizes veterans wo are buried in the Melrose Township Cemetery (sponsored by G.T. Lasater, Retired Sheriff with assistance from the Cub Scout Pack 53). Read more about Walloon Lake’s military/veteran memorials here: https://walloonlakewanderings.weebly.com/memorials-and-park.html.
