Today, the Star Spangled Salute honors Memorial Day. It is believed the origins of Memorial Day grew from the earliest observances in Charleston, SC on May 1st, 1865, where parades, spiritual readings, songs and picnics took place while markers of neglected graves of fallen Civil War Soldiers were taken care of and decorated. This gave birth to what was known as “Decoration Day”. The first official Decoration Day was held in Columbus, Mississippi on April 25th, 1866 by women who decorated with flowers, the graves of Confederate soldiers who perished in the battle at Shiloh. General Ulysses S. Grant presided over the first large observance, a crowd of about 5,000, at Arlington National Cemetery on May 30th, 1873, where orphaned children of soldiers placed flowers and small flags on both Union and Confederate graves and the holiday continued to grow into what it is today. Let us not forget it is a holiday honoring those who believed in something so much that they gave their life for it. To all those who died defending our country thank you for your service and your sacrifice.
MEMORIAL DAY EVENTS
DERBY
Monday El Paso Cemetery, 700 E. Kay St., 10 a.m. – The Derby VFW post is hosting its annual Memorial Day service at the El Paso Cemetery. Colonel Donald E. McClure, commander of the 184th Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group at McConnell Air Force Base, is the guest speaker.
Hillcrest Cemetery, 10102 E. 95th St., 11 a.m. – Colonel Cynthia A. Welch, commander of the 931st Air Refueling Wing at McConnell Air Force Base, is the primary speaker at the American Legion Family Post 408’s annual Memorial Day event.
WICHITA
Veterans’ Memorial Park, 339 Veterans Pkwy, 11 a.m. – Army veteran Sam Brent will speak during the Veterans’ Memorial Park event at the Flag Pavilion. A rifle detail will attend and a bugler will play the national anthem and taps. Afterward, the Delano Wind Ensemble will perform patriotic music at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Attendance is free. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Greenwood Cemetery, 6231 W. 47th St. South, 11 a.m. – Aaron Grunden, Air Force veteran and member of VFW Post 6957, will be the guest speaker at this annual ceremony. For more information on the event, call 316-524-7119.
Evergreen Library parking lot, 2601 N Arkansas Ave, 9 a.m. – For those looking for a physical challenge, fitness club F3 Wichita is hosting a Murph Challenge on Memorial Day. The Murph Challenge is a nationwide fitness test named after Lt. Michael P. Murphy, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2007 after serving in Afghanistan. The workout consists of a one-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats and another one-mile run.
James A. Garfield Memorial, Lakeview Cemetery, 12100 E. 13th St., 10 a.m. – Colonel Johari J. Hemphill, the commander of the 22nd Mission Support Group at McConnell Air Force Base, is the guest speaker at this year’s Lakeview Cemetery event honoring fallen soldiers. Soloist Huron Breaux will perform “God Bless the USA” and “America the Beautiful.” Flags will be placed at the graves of more than 9,000 veterans buried at the cemetery.
Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 W. U.S. 54, 11 a.m. – Wichita Mayor Lily Wu will deliver comments at the 65th annual Resthaven Memorial Day Program. The Jayhawk Wing of the Commemorative Air Force will do a flyover salute to kick off the event. The mortuary and park will remain open after the ceremony.
Greenwood Cemetery, 6231 W. 47th St. South, 11 a.m. – Aaron Grunden, Air Force veteran and member of VFW Post 6957, will be the guest speaker at this annual ceremony. For more information on the event, call 316-524-7119.
HESSTON
Monday Hesston Cemetery, 504 W Lincoln Blvd, 11 a.m. – State Rep. Stephen Owens, R-Hesston, will give the memorial address. The names of veterans who have died in the past year will be read, taps will be played and those attending will sing “God Bless America.” Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. In case of inclement weather, the service will move to the Hesston City Shop across the street from the cemetery. WINFIELD Monday WVO Barbell Club, 107 E 7th Ave, 9 a.m. – This fitness club in Winfield is hosting its own Murph Challenge for Memorial Day. Kids and families are encouraged to come and participate.
WINFIELD
Monday WVO Barbell Club, 107 E 7th Ave, 9 a.m. – This fitness club in Winfield is hosting its own Murph Challenge for Memorial Day. Kids and families are encouraged to come and participate.
