Memorial Day

The Library will be closed on Monday, May 26th in observance of Memorial Day.

In the Midwest, Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer and the opening of pool season. Many people also take advantage of the three-day weekend to travel, visit family, or celebrate with a BBQ.


Officially, Memorial Day is a day to recognize men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Not to be confused with Veterans' Day, which recognizes the service of all U.S. military veterans.


From The Dictionary of American History:

The practice of decorating graves of war dead began before the close of the Civil War. However, an officially set day was established in 1868 when Gen. John A. Logan, commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, issued an order naming May 30 as a day for “strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion.” The day became known as Decoration Day, but as it was extended to include the dead of all wars, it took the name Memorial Day.

Learn more about Memorial Day and Memorial Day Weekend at the USA.gov Memorial Day page.


Have a happy and safe holiday!