EVENTS & ACTIVITIES MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY

MONDAY, MAY 29 AT 10 A.M. IN SHAIN PARK

The City of Birmingham will host its annual Memorial Day Service on Monday, May 29, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. in Shain Park, adjacent to City Hall, located at 151 Martin Street. The patriotic program includes addresses of historical interest, popular songs, wreath laying at the monuments and live music provided by the Birmingham Concert Band Entertainers. Civil War reenactors will assist in the service

In addition, the Friends of the Birmingham Museum will mark the occasion with a special presentation and at 11:30 a.m. they will conduct a tour of historic Greenwood Cemetery with emphasis on local heroes who have served our country. Family attendance is welcomed and veterans’ participation is encouraged

The origin of Memorial Day dates back to 1868 when the Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic (the fraternal organization of Union Civil War veterans), General John A. Logan, designated May 30 “for the purpose of strewing flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion (the Civil War).” The first service was held that year at Arlington Cemetery, already the site of over 20,000 burials From that first “Decoration Day” to today, we honor all who served their country with Memorial Day.