It may come as a surprise that Memorial Day, in its current form, has only existed in the United States since 1968. On June 28th of that year, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which moved four holidays, Memorial Day among them, from specific days of the month to set Mondays. That way, people and businesses could more easily observe and enjoy them. But the tradition of spending a day honoring those who gave their lives in the service of our country started over a century before.
Please support the day by attending the DeKalb Memorial Day event at the Ellwood Mansion in DeKalb. The Ellwood Mansion is located off First Street and the service starts at 10:00 AM.
NOTE: A full Military salute to Memorial Day will be held at the Memorial Clock (1st & Lincoln Hwy-Downtown DeKalb) at 9:00 AM. Presented by the DeKalb American Legion Ceremonial Honor Guard.
MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM Ellwood House Lawn –
May 31, 2021 – 10 AM
Presentation of Colors by Legion Honor Guard
“The Star-Spangled Banner”
- Terri Crane Goodman
Master of Ceremonies
- American Legion Commander Daniel Gallagher
Welcome to Military Guests
Welcome Guest Speakers
- DeKalb Chief of Police David Byrd
- DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes
- DeKalb Park Board Commissioner Phil Young
Introduction of Post Commanders Invocation
American Legion Chaplain Rob McCann
Keynote Speaker
- American Legion Historian Michael Embrey
Musical Numbers (with Service Songs)
- Ron Lofton … Terri Crane Goodman & Michael Embrey
American Legion School Awards “Amazing Grace”
- Firefighters Highland Guard of DeKalb
Rifle Salute – American Legion Honor Guard
Taps by Mark Baldin & Michael Embrey
Retrieval of Colors
Thank you to those who made this program possible, especially the participants: DeKalb American Legion, the City of DeKalb, FunME Events, DeKalb Park District, and Ellwood House Museum.
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