Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.
Sponsored by Alexander Bradley Burns VFW Post #80, the brief parade is followed by a 45 minute ceremony at Veterans Memorial Pavilion in Fishel Park in Downers Grove. The names of Downers Grove citizens who gave their life while serving our country are read, and, the fallen from each conflict are remembered. The Marching Mustangs provide music for the event, culminating in an Armed Forces medley during which service members are recognized with audience applause for their service to our country.
Special thanks to the Village of Downers Grove and to the VFW Post #80 for continuing this important tradition in such a dignified manner, and, for letting the student musicians from District 99 lend musical support to the event.
