For many Americans, Memorial Day is more than a long weekend and an unofficial start to the summer season. The real meaning of the holiday is honoring the soldiers who’ve died serving their country.
The holiday was originally called Decoration Day, and traces back to the Civil War. It was was declared a national holiday by Congress in 1971, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
This year, Memorial Day is observed Monday, May 25. Here’s a list of local events for memorialization and celebration:
Holland Memorial Day Parade
When: 9:30 a.m.
Where: Eighth Street and Central Avenue to Lincoln Avenue to Sixteenth Street to Pilgrim Home Cemetery
The parade is followed by a program of remembrance and music at Pilgrim Home Cemetery. Afterward, the Holland VFW will host a breakfast.
Memorial Day Open House at Holland Museum
When: 12-4 p.m.
Where: Holland Armory
Holland Museum is offering free tours of the Holland Armory’s Company D Exhibit. The exhibit highlights the legacy of the unit, founded in 1920 by Col. Henry Geerds.
Zeeland Memorial Day Parade
When: 9 a.m.
Where: Main Avenue and Maple Street to Elm Street to Cherry Street to Centennial Street to Central Street
After the parade, there will be a ceremony at Second Reformed Church.
Grand Haven Memorial Day Parade
When: 9:30 a.m.
Where: Sixth Street and Washington Avenue to S. Harbor Drive to Escanaba Park
The event concludes with a wreath-laying ceremony.
Saugatuck Memorial Day Parade
When: 9 a.m.
Where: Culver Street to Butler Street to Mary Street
The parade, sponsored by American Legion Post #137, concludes with a ceremony at Memorial Park.
— USA Today contributed to this article. Cassidey Kavathas is the politics and court reporter at The Holland Sentinel. Contact her at ckavathas@hollandsentinel.com. Follow her on X @cassideykava.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Here’s parades, ceremonies happening near Holland on Memorial Day
Reporting by Cassidey Kavathas, Holland Sentinel / The Holland Sentinel
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