Q: What is the history of Memorial Day?
A: Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day and originated just after the Civil War. While there are many stories about its origin, the first large observance occurred in 1868, when members of a Union veterans group called the Grand Army of the Republic decorated both Union and Confederate graves at Arlington National Cemetery by placing flowers, reciting prayers and singing hymns. After its initial establishment, Decoration Day came to include not only fallen soldiers from the Civil War, but all of America's fallen soldiers. As Decoration Day began to incorporate soldiers from different eras, many communities began to refer to the day as Memorial Day. The federal government has recognized what we now call Memorial Day since 1888, and it has been observed as a federal holiday on the last Monday in May since 1971. Congress also passed the National Moment of Remembrance Act in 2000, to encourage all Americans to pause at 3 p.m. local time, on Memorial Day, for a minute of silence to remember and honor all of our soldiers who have died in service to America. This Memorial Day, Iowans can participate in the century-old tradition of paying tribute to fallen soldiers by visiting the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, the Keokuk National Cemetery, the Rock Island National Cemetery, or local cemeteries large and small across the state. There are also moving and inspirational observances planned in many Iowa communities.
Q: What is the Iowa Veterans Cemetery?
A: The Iowa Veterans Cemetery near Van Meter is the first federally funded construction of a state-owned and operated veterans cemetery in Iowa. The Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs used the federal grant funds it received through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs State Cemetery Grants Program to develop and construct an honorable resting place for up to 80,000 of our men and women who serve in uniform. In accordance with the terms of the grant, the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs will maintain and operate the Iowa Veterans Cemetery to national standards in perpetuity. Two generous donors contributed 100 acres of land for the Iowa Veterans Cemetery. Construction began in July 2007, and a year later on July 3rd, 2008, I was humbled to have the honor and privilege to speak at the dedication. When I spoke, I knew that it would provide an honorable final resting place for Iowans who gave so much to their country. The reverence demonstrated by the large crowd of Iowans who attended the dedication of the Iowa Veterans Cemetery showed they were fully aware that freedom is not free. We all owe never-ending gratitude to those that selflessly put their lives on the line to protect our values and freedom.