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Memorial Day 2025 – Monday, May 26

The people of the United States of America have been observing Memorial Day since May 30, 1868. On that day flowers were placed on the graves of American soldiers at the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

On Memorial Day, and all other days, we remember soldiers that have fallen, those that are missing and all of those that have served.

Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.

Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings, and participating in parades.

In 1868, General Logan, a Civil War veteran who was then serving as commander-in-chief of a group of Union veterans, ordered the decoration of Union graves with flowers on May 30. The day would ultimately be known as ‘Memorial Day.’ It took a long time for Memorial Day to become a federal holiday.

Here are some facts to give the holiday some perspective.

MEMORIAL DAY BEGAN AS A RESPONSE TO THE CIVIL WAR.

Memorial Day was a response to the unprecedented carnage of the Civil War, in which a total of some 620,000 soldiers died. The loss of life and its effect on communities led to several spontaneous commemorations of the dead.

In 1864, women from Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, put flowers on the graves of their fallen soldiers from the just-fought Battle of Gettysburg. The next year, a group of women decorated the graves of soldiers buried in a Vicksburg, Mississippi, cemetery.

Two years later, women from Columbus, Mississippi, laid flowers on the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers. In the same month, in Carbondale, Illinois, 219 Civil War veterans marched through town to Woodlawn Cemetery in memory of the fallen, where Union hero Major General John A. Logan delivered the principal address. The ceremony gave Carbondale its claim to the first organized, community-wide Memorial Day observance.

Waterloo, New York, began holding an annual community service on May 5, 1866. Although many towns claimed the title, it was Waterloo that won congressional recognition as the “Birthplace of Memorial Day.”

MEMORIAL DAY WAS ORIGINALLY KNOWN AS DECORATION DAY.

The holiday was long known as Decoration Day for the practice of decorating graves with flowers, wreaths, and flags. The name “Memorial Day” goes back to 1882, but the older name didn’t disappear until after World War II. It wasn’t until 1967 that federal law declared “Memorial Day” the official name.

The World War I poem “In Flanders Fields,” by John McCrea, inspired the Memorial Day custom of wearing red artificial poppies. In 1915, a Georgia teacher and volunteer war worker named Moina Michael began a campaign to make the poppy a symbol of tribute to veterans and for “keeping the faith with all who died.” The sale of poppies has supported the work of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

EACH MEMORIAL DAY IS A LITTLE DIFFERENT.

There’s no question that Memorial Day is a solemn event. Still, don’t feel too guilty about doing something frivolous (like hosting a barbecue) over the weekend. After all, you weren’t the one who instituted the Indianapolis 500 on May 30, 1911. That credit goes to Indianapolis businessman Carl Fisher. The winning driver that day was Ray Harroun, who averaged 74.6 mph and completed the race in six hours and 42 minutes.

Gravitas returned on May 30, 1922, when the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated. Supreme Court Chief Justice (and former president) William Howard Taft dedicated the monument before a crowd of 50,000 people, segregated by race, and which included a row of Union and Confederate veterans. Lincoln’s surviving son, Robert Todd Lincoln, also attended.

In 2000, Congress established a National Moment of Remembrance, which asks Americans to pause for one minute at 3 p.m. in an act of national unity. The time was chosen because 3 p.m. “is the time when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday.”

Not only is Memorial Day an important time to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country, but it is a day to spend quality time with family and friends as a kickoff to summer. The holiday weekend is usually filled with large gatherings, parades, picnics, or weekend trips. 

As summer travel season starts full swing and as you make your plans, there are a few things to know before you hit the road. Make sure all of your travels will be safe and enjoyable this holiday weekend and beyond by knowing what the road ahead will bring.

To make a trip safer and less stressful:

*Plan ahead. Go to www.tripcheck.com to see the latest road conditions, closures, and delays. Make sure to check the entire route.

*Leave early and allow plenty of time to get to the destination.

*Follow the speed limit.

*Be alert. Be patient. Share the road.

*Remember to pack water, snacks and other emergency kit supplies in case the trip is delayed.

*Use special caution in work zones. Work crews may not be present during holiday weekends, but some work zones may remain set up for safety.

ODOT says Memorial Day weekend is expected to be one of the busiest on record with over 500,000 people in Oregon expected to drive to their holiday destination.

AAA projects 39.4 million people, including 506,000 Oregonians will travel by car over the holiday weekend. That’s the highest number since the agency started tracking in 2000.

The agency predicts overall about 617,000 Oregonians will travel over the long weekend.

It projects this will be the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005. Now air travelers need a REAL ID to fly. Those who don’t may still be able to fly but must go through additional screening.

Bend, Portland, Eugene, Boise and the Oregon Coast are the most popular regional destinations for members of AAA Oregon.

Memorial Day Oregon | May 26, 2024 — Guide to Observances Around the State

Oregon has a long, truly remarkable tradition of formal, civic observance of Memorial Day, the last Monday of every May set aside from work, under federal law, to remember those who have died during their U.S. military service.

The diversity and depth of Memorial Day commemorations around the state are testaments to the power and dedication of people. Over the years, local veterans groups, supporting municipal governments and citizens in each area of Oregon have helped organize and attend these ceremonial Memorial Day events.

As a result, Oregonians are fortunate to have many Memorial Day observances across the State from which to choose. Each commemoration reflects a community’s unique local customs. Each is tinged with its own richness and meaning. MORE INFO: https://memorialdayoregon.com

Use the interactive State Map to find a Memorial Day event near you, get full details & directions, then go attend. https://memorialdayoregon.com/index.php/maps/

Memorial Day Parades in Oregon

There are not as many Memorial Day parades as in the past. However, on the morning of Memorial Day in Oregon, people in some cities (Klamath Falls, Prineville, Reedsport, Seaside, Wasco) still maintain the tradition, going back to the founding of Memorial Day, of having full-fledged parades. These processions wind their way through main streets and/or neighborhoods and are truly remarkable events to be a part of.

Oregonians who are physically challenged to get out to a parade, but want to experience one can tune into to the spectacular National Memorial Day Parade in Washington DC at 11:00am PST.

Memorial Day Services in Oregon

The bedrock Memorial Day event for most locales in Oregon is at least one solemn and inspiring public service. Honored citizens place beautiful wreaths. A bugler plays taps. A local band plays inspiring patriotic music. High-ranking military or government officials make speeches. Ceremonies are often highlighted by gun or canon salutes and/or military flyovers. Oh, and there are often food and drinks afterwards!

In Oregon, most (but certainly not all) Memorial Day services are held at cemeteries. As its original name, Decoration Day, implies Memorial Day has roots in the communal act of decorating the graves of fallen soldiers. That practice arose in various communities around the country during and just after the American Civil War. All these years and too many wars later, the tradition continues.

In cemeteries across Oregon on Memorial Day weekend you will come upon more flags than you may have ever seen placed by volunteers all along tree-lined roads and on the graves of veterans and set against often breathtaking natural backdrops. For example, more than 140,000 flags adorn Willamette National cemetery in east Portland on Memorial Day!

There are services at each of Oregon’s four national military cemeteries (Willamette National in Portland, Ft. Stevens National in Warrenton, Roseburg National, and Eagle Point National). There are also services at city-managed public cemeteries (Ashland, Astoria, Coos Bay, Oregon City, Pendleton, Redmond), private cemeteries (Baker City, Bend, Coos Bay, Gresham, Hood River, Junction City, Medford, Salem), as well as non-profit cemeteries (Eugene, Tigard, Mt. Angel).

In other locales around Oregon, Memorial Day services take place at a veterans memorial site. Such memorials are often located within public parks.

Many Oregon cities (Beaverton, Columbia City, Gresham, Klamath Falls, Lake Oswego, North Plains, Scappoose, Warrenton) have their own veterans memorial sites for services. A few Oregon counties also have veterans memorials where there are services on Memorial Day (Benton County/Corvallis). Finally, you can find a Memorial Day service at one of Oregon’s several beautiful state-themed war memorials. These are dedicated to all Oregonians who died in a particular war (Korean War/ Wilsonville, Vietnam War/Portland, World War II/Salem).

Why attending a Memorial Day commemoration matters

Your attendance at one of these formal observances each year matters for two reasons. First, Oregon history and American history matter. Part of our civic responsibility is understanding that history as it pertains to war and helping our children understand it. Attending a Memorial Day service is a powerful, hands-on way to gain some of that understanding. Second, Memorial Day is completely unique as a holiday, or any day we have really, in its particular focus: to get us to reflect on the nature of major sacrifice. What can we learn from and feel about those who died in war for our country and local communities? What does it mean to sacrifice for something bigger than oneself?

So make it a point to go. Take a family member or friend with you. Look at the smiles and feel the good will and togetherness of the people around you at the ceremony. You’ll be glad you made the effort.

The Azalea Festival celebrates the beauty of the Southern Oregon coast and has been awarded the “The Oregon Heritage Tradition” award. Held on Memorial Weekend the end of May the festival offers family fun for everyone. Visit website for details: https://azaleafestivalbrookingsoregon.com

Astoria – Maritime Memorial Park Ceremony

The annual Memorial Day event in Astoria occurs at Maritime Memorial Park located directly under the Astoria/Megler bridge.  Access to the park is from Bay St, Columbia Ave. and the Astoria Riverwalk.

3:00pm

Maritime Memorial Park
10 Bay Street
Astoria, OR 97103

The park honors 1,200 beloved Astoriansfrom the maritime industry or with other close connections to the river or the ocean, who have been lost over the years and whose names are memorialized on the wall. The annual Memorial Day service at the park honorsall in the U.S. military who gave their lives in war, but is also maritime-themed. All names on the memorial wall are read in alphabetical order.  

SEASIDE: Memorial Ceremony | Parade | Flag Raising | Spaghetti Lunch

11:00am to 12:00pm (LUNCH: 12:00 to 1:30pm)

Events begin with a moving memorial service including a wreath being lowered into the Neawanna Creek from the bridge adjacent to the American Legion Post building, followed by a motorcycle parade down Broadway making its way to the Turnaround where a flag is ceremonially raised. Events conclude with a free spaghetti lunch back at American Legion Post 99. In a community tradition that started in 2017, Motorcycles of the American Legion Riders parade down Broadway from the American Legion Post 99. They end at the Seaside Turnaround where the flag is raised as part of the Memorial Day ceremony.

American Legion Post 99
1315 Broadway Street
Seaside, OR 97138

WARRENTON: Ft. Stevens National Cemetery Service | Veterans Memorial Flag Raising Ceremony

Fort Stevens National Cemetery Service

11:00am

Fort Stevens Army Post Cemetery
1198 Russell Dr.
Hammond, OR 97121

[From Hammond take Pacific Drive/Fort Stevens Highway 104 west to Seventh; turn left (south) to Russell Street; take Russell to where it dead-ends at the cemetery gate]

Warrenton Post Office Flag Raising Ceremony

12:30pm

Flagpole Park (U.S. Post Office)
99 North Main Ave.
Warrenton, OR 97146

DEPOE BAY: “Fleet of Flowers” Ceremony

The “Fleet of Flowers” event on Memorial Day in Depoe Bay tradition dates back 80 years. The event expands the theme of Memorial Day to honor not just U.S. military personnel who have died in service but all seafarers (that is, folks employed to work aboard marine vessels) who have been lost at sea.

11:00am

U.S. Coast Guard Station / Depoe Bay Harbor
240 Coast Guard Drive
Depoe Bay, Oregon 97341

[NOTE: the official ceremony including speakers starts across from the U.S. Coast Guard station. This is down on the main harbor dock (known as the “charter dock”). To get there, you can park near HWY 101 and walk down to the docks. Or, you can park on one of the streets in the neighborhood down around the dock]

COOS BAY: Marshfield Pioneer Cemetery | Ocean View Memory Gardens Service | Sunset Memorial Park Service

Marshfield Pioneer Cemetery (Open Gates)

9:00am to 7:00pm

On Memorial Day in Coos Bay, in addition to flags on every military grave at Marshfield Pioneer Cemetery, you’ll see an area of the adjacent Marshfield High School grounds where there is the “Died in Service” display comprising 40 headstone figures (pictured above) made of coroplast.
Marshfield H.S. Students
Make Memorial Day MeaningfulMarshfield students maintain a very special “Died in Service” headstone display in front of their school during Memorial Day week. Their research work in creating and curating this memorial is educational. But it is also an ongoing contribution to the entire Coos Bay community. The headstone markers have the names and military service information of all alumni of what is now Coos Bay School District who died in wartime. They include a marker for James G. Fergusson, the very first principal of Marshfield High School in its original building, who died in France in 1916, serving in WWI. And they include a marker for Bryan Bertrand, the first Oregonian to die post 9-11 in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Bertrand joined the Marines after graduating from Marshfield and died in Pakistan in 2002 at the age of 23.

Memorial Day week at Marshfield also includes their 12th Annual Memorial Day Assembly, at 10:45am, the Thursday after Memorial Day. The program honors all veterans as well as commemorates World War II and the 80th Anniversary of the d-Day landing. The program includes musical selections.

Marshfield Pioneer Cemetery
7th Street & Ingersoll Avenue
Coos Bay OR, 97420

[NOTE: cemetery gates are open Saturday, Sunday, & Monday – May 24, 25, & 26].

Ocean View Memory Gardens Ceremony

10:00 to 11:00am

Ocean View Memory Gardens
1525 Ocean Blvd.
Coos Bay, OR 97420

Sunset Memorial Park Ceremony

11:00am

Sunset Memorial Park
63060 Millington Frontage Road
Coos Bay OR, 97420

The annual Memorial Day services in Coos Bay take place at two different cemeteries: Ocean View Memory Gardens (below left) and Sunset Memorial (below right). Coos Bay Elks Lodge #1160 leads each ceremony with honor guard by the American Legion Bay Area Post #34 and the as well as local veterans groups and organizations.

Support the #OregonCoastAquarium during your next trip to Lincoln City!

As a participant in the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation’s annual Birthday Grant celebration, we have been assigned 3 glass floats, hidden over the next month along the beaches of Lincoln City!

If our floats are found and registered, we receive a $1,000 donation per float! For what would have been Marie’s 129th birthday, the Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation is working with Explore Lincoln City to donate $129,000 to nonprofits on the Oregon Coast – supporting adventure, exploration, and expeditions for our local young people. Support us, and learn more about this program at marielamfrom.org/birthday!

Friends of Haystack Rock  · We have puffins!

Check out our website, Friendsofhaystackrock.org to see them live! We have our webcam zoomed in on a couple active burrows. Your best chance to see them is in the morning between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.

We Hope You Will Drive Safe and Have A Safe and Healthy Memorial Day Weekend!

We’ll be enjoying the long holiday weekend too and will be back in the office on Tuesday 5/27