Memorial Day

Originally called Decoration Day, from the early tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths and flags, Memorial Day is a day for remembrance of those who have died in service to our country.

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Originally called Decoration Day, from the early tradition of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths and flags, Memorial Day is a day for remembrance of those who have died in service to our country. This day was established as a federal holiday in 1971.

According to the Wounded Warrior Project web page,

“Some records show that formerly enslaved people in Charleston, South Carolina organized the earliest Memorial Day commemorations in 1865. In 1866, the federal government declared Waterloo, New York, the official birthplace of Memorial Day when the city closed all businesses so residents could decorate the gravesites of soldiers with flowers and American flags every year.”

If you have been to Waterloo, New York, you might have seen this sign.

Another account by US Department of Veterans Affairs states,

“On May 5, 1868, the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), a politically powerful organization of Union veterans led by Major General John A. Logan — issued General Orders No. 11 or the "Memorial Day Act." This issuance formally established "Memorial Day" as a Decoration Day on which the nation would remember its war dead and decorate their graves with flowers.”

This History Buzz will highlight one memorial in Andover and suggest a walking tour to visit many more on this Memorial Day.

Do you know the location of this flagpole?

Did you know it is a memorial to Edward Harris and his son George Harris?

This flagpole can be found in front of Andover Town Hall and was originally dedicated to Colonel Harris in 1984 and was rededicated in 2007 to both Edward and George.  At the rededication of the flagpole Mike Burke, who was the director of Veteran Services in 2007, spoke about Edward and George

“They were both great individuals, fine soldiers, and even more so, outstanding members of the community.” ¹

This is just one of the many memorials located throughout the town. There is a walking tour available through the Andover Veteran’s website which documents ten memorials. You can download a copy by clicking here.

 You might also want to include a few sites at Philips Academy where you will find the Bell Tower which honors alumni from World War I, the Borden Gymnasium which lists alumni for World War II, and Memorial Place located outside the gymnasium which list names from Korea, Vietnam and Afghanistan.²

Most cemeteries also have memorials to Veterans which are marked with flags and medallions.

Whatever your plans are to celebrate Memorial Day, please take a moment to remember the bravery, the courage, and sacrifice of the men and women who served our country with honor. 

In case you are planning to retire your American flag that you might have at your home there is a flag collection box located in the front of the town hall. This collection box was created by Andrew Magner from Troop 75 in Andover as an 20022 Eagle Scout Project.

Another view of the Harris Flagpole with the flag collection box in the background.

Thank you for reading!

Are you attending any Memorial Day commemorations today? Leave a comment and let me know. We love to hear from History Buzz readers! If you enjoyed this story please consider becoming a subscriber to the Buzz.
~Barbara

1. Article written by Megan Richards, Andover Townsman, August 16, 2007

2. Article written by Gail Ralston, November 30, 2017