Memorial Day services here traced to late 1800s

Tracking History

Saturday, May 27, 2006

Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address given on the Civil War battlefield in 1863 is considered by many to be the first ever Memorial Day celebration.

In 1868, Gen. John A. Logan issued a general order establishing May 30 as an official Memorial Day to pay respect to all those who had died, in war or peace.

In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May. By the late 1800s communities across the country, including Galesburg, celebrated by holding special ceremonies at the graves of those who had died in America's wars.

On May 30, 1896, Grand Army of the Republic comrades and Galesburg citizens assembled at First Methodist Church for special patriotic services. The pulpit was decorated with blooming flowers and the altar rail was draped with the flag of the nation. Festoons of black crape were interwoven with red, white and blue throughout the church.

Members of James T. Shields Post GAR marched to the church as a body and were seated in the front pews. Carrie Munson played a march as the old soldiers entered the church.

Maj. W.H. Powell, Post Department Commander of the State Encampment, served as the orator of the day. Seated with Powell on the platform were Judge A.A. Smith, Mayor Tunnicliff and Dr. Law, who presided over the exercises. Professor W.F. Bentley sang the old song "The Call For Taps." A quartet consisting of M.J. Dougherty, R.E. Fleharty, O. Williamson and C.S. Selleck sang "Answering The Last Roll Call."

Powell chose as his subject "Memorial Day, Its Duty and Experiences." In closing, the major spoke directly to the comrades of the GAR and exhorted them to instill patriotism into the minds of youth.

Following the services at the church the comrades marched to Hope Cemetery. School children carrying flags and flowers led the procession. Galesburg Police officers led by Chief F.R. Hinman and the Knox College Cadet Band headed up the remainder of the parade participants. Included were Company C of the 6th Infantry, a battalion of Knox cadets, fire trucks and the Great Western Colored Band. Local labor organizations representing railroad trainmen, cigar and broom makers preceded the flower wagon and carriages carrying citizens to the cemetery.

Appropriate prayers and patriotic music preceded the placing of flowers on veterans' graves. After the reading of the roll call, salutes were fired by Company C and the Knox College cadets.

The tradition has continued and Galesburg lays claim to one of the oldest Memorial Day Parades and services in the nation.

Tom Wilson is a local historian. Write to him at wilsont29@insightbb.com or at The Register-Mail, 140 S. Prairie St., Galesburg, IL 61401.