The first official Memorial Day was held May 30, 1868, but southern women were decorating the graves of soldiers before the end of the Civil War. After the war, a women’s group in Columbus, Mississippi, decorated the graves of both Confederate and Union soldiers. Francis Miles Finch, a 19th century judge, academic and poet, was moved by this action to write a poem titled “The Blue and the Gray.” In some places, Memorial Day is still called Decoration Day. After World War I, Memorial Day was dedicated to all the men and women who died in any conflict while defending the United States.
Today, along with memorial services, Americans celebrate Memorial Day as the official opening of the summer season, with parades, picnics and concerts. Many Philadelphians are spending Memorial Day in their backyards this year, due to the economy and dearth of city-sponsored activities, victims of budget cuts. However, here are several activities that might just lure you out of that yard.
1. WAR MEMORIALS in Philadelphia: The most appropriate activity on Memorial Day would be to start it out by visiting a War Memorial or attending Memorial Day service. In the Philadelphia area, there are several war memorials: The Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Philadelphian Korean War Memorial are within walking distance of Society Hill and Penn’s Landing. Other war memorials in the downtown Philadelphia area include the All Wars Memorial to Colored Soldiers and Sailors , the Civil War Soldiers Memorial , Pennsylvania Railroad World War II Memorial and the World War I Aero Memorial. Click on the memorial name for locations. For a list of all war exhibits in Philadelphia, go here. This site is a photo tour of the memorials.
2. MEMORIAL DAY SERVICES IN PHILADELPHIA AREA: The “Bravest Souls” Memorial Day Parade, Service and Reception will be held at the Laurel Hill Cemetery on Ridge Avenue in Philadelphia on May 24th at noon. The historic Laurel Hill Cemetery, referred to as the “Underground Museum,” was the first cemetery in Philadelphia to hold a Memorial Day ceremony in 1868. There will be a wreath-laying, and speeches, refreshments and tours of Laurel Hill will be available after the ceremony. Go here for more details.
The W.S. Hancock Society is sponsoring a Decoration Day ceremony at Montgomery Cemetery in Norristown, beginning at 11 a.m., with a wreath laying ceremony. At noon, a presentation at the Hancock Mausoleum will offer a timeline of American history from the Revolution to the Civil War, evoking the history of how our country developed into a nation. Go here for more details.
3. MEMORIAL DAY TOURS IN PHILADELPHIA: — COLONIAL KIDS’ QUEST: After you’ve paid your respects to our country’s brave war heroes, you might want take the kids over to the Independence Living History Center at 3rd & Chestnut Streets for the Colonial Kids’ Quest, opening Memorial Day Saturday, May 23rd. Colonist Phineas Bell leads a one-hour tour to find the missing Declaration of Independence every Saturday at 11 a.m., until September 5th. Tickets: $16 per person, children under two free. Go here for more details.
4. MEMORIAL DAY EXHIBITS — PLAY BALL! A HISTORY OF BASEBALL IN PHILADELPHIA: Baseball fans will want to wander over to the Betsy Ross House at 2nd and Arch Streets where an exhibit examining the tradition of baseball in Philadelphia opens on May 22nd. The exhibit delves into the history of the Philadelphia Athletics, the Philadelphia Stars, the Negro League team (circa 1933), the Philadelphia Pythians, the first African American team in Philadelphia (circa 1866) and, of course, the World Series winning Phillies. Children $2, Adults $3. Go here for more details.
Be warned, after that, the kids may demand to be taken to a baseball game. The Philadelphia Phillies play the Florida Marlins at 7:00 p.m. on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25th at Citizens Bank Park. Go here for ticket information.
5. MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND MUSIC FESTIVAL IN PHILADELPHIA AREA — BRANDYWINE RIVER BLUES FESTIVAL: If you think music and wine are inseparable, then the Brandywine River Blues Festival is right up your alley. The Festival is scheduled all through Memorial Day Weekend, May 23rd, 24th and 25th, noon to 6 p.m. at the Chaddsford Winery. Besides enjoying two live blues bands each day, you can take a tour of the winery, learn about wine making and barrel-aging, and, of course, sample the nationally acclaimed Chaddsford wines as you enjoy the music. The $25 admission price includes two concerts, wine-tastings and souvenir wine glass. You may bring a picnic or purchase food from the Pace One Restaurant on the grounds. The groups scheduled for the Festival are: the Roger Girke Band, James “Guitar” Mabry, Steve Guyger, Johnny DeFrancesco Power Trio, Bruce Ewan and The New Kings of Rhythm Go here for lineup. Visit this site for schedule and contact information. This is an adult function, bringing children is not recommended.
6. MEMORIAL DAY FAIRS IN PHILADELPHIA AREA: DEVON HORSE SHOW AND COUNTRY FAIR: Finally, the Devon Horse Show Country Fair is running from May 21st through May 30th, over Memorial Day. The Devon Horse Show draws top riders from all over the world. The Devon Horse Show is the oldest and largest internationally recognized multi-breed competition in the United States. Visit this site for history, details and ticket information.
Sources:
Philart.net; Philadelphialiving.com; Philly Fun Guide to Laurel Hill; Devon Horse Show.org; Chaddsford.com; The Blue an the Gray; Phillyfunguide to Colonial Kids’ Quest: Phillyfunguide to Play Ball!;
