How Utah celebrated Memorial Day 100 years ago

How Utah celebrated Memorial Day 100 years ago

(Utah State Historical Society Archives)


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SALT LAKE CITY — For nearly the past 150 years, Americans have taken a moment in late May and honored those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

The history of Memorial Day officially dates back to Decoration Day, which was first observed in 1868 — just years after the Civil War concluded. The day was set aside for May 30 each year when graves were decorated with flowers, flags and wreaths. However, Waterloo, New York, has congressional recognition as the first to observe the holiday in 1866.

Only much later was what is now Memorial Day observed on the last Monday of May, but the name "Memorial Day" became an alternate reference to the holiday in the 1880s.

Memorial Day falls on the original May 30 date of Decoration Day this year. While not all, some of how Utah has honored its fallen veterans is well-documented in Utah state archives.

Bands, parades and flags all date back for at least a century in Utah history — all in honor of those who died.

Individuals gather at the Salt Lake City Cemetery for a Decoration Day service on May 30, 1911. (Photo: Utah State Historical Society)
Individuals gather at the Salt Lake City Cemetery for a Decoration Day service on May 30, 1911. (Photo: Utah State Historical Society)
Individuals gather at Mount Olivet Cemetery for a Decoration Day service on May 30, 1911. (Photo: Utah State Historical Society)
Individuals gather at Mount Olivet Cemetery for a Decoration Day service on May 30, 1911. (Photo: Utah State Historical Society)
A group of people watch as Fort Douglas soldiers march in a Decoration Day parade on May 30, 1907. (Photo: Utah State Historical Society)
A group of people watch as Fort Douglas soldiers march in a Decoration Day parade on May 30, 1907. (Photo: Utah State Historical Society)
A shot of a Decoration Day parade on Third South in Salt Lake City on May 30, 1907. (Photo: Utah State Historical Society)
A shot of a Decoration Day parade on Third South in Salt Lake City on May 30, 1907. (Photo: Utah State Historical Society)
A marching band walking through Mount Olivet Cemetery during a Decoration Day service on May 30, 1914. (Photo: Utah State Historical Society)
A marching band walking through Mount Olivet Cemetery during a Decoration Day service on May 30, 1914. (Photo: Utah State Historical Society)

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