Memorial Day was formerly known as Decoration Day and originated after the Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the Civil War. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans who have died while in the military service. It has been extended further to veterans who have given their time and put their lives on the line while serving for our country.
We have nine in our graveyard who were veterans – three from the Civil War, four from the Revolutionary War, and two War of 1812 veterans. This week, the featured graveyard brochure is the “Veterans Tour” brochure. Take one from the red box outside the graveyard (you can download it [PDF] here). You can visit the veterans’ graves and read their stories.
They are a diverse lot. One was a cousin of George Patton; two immigrated to the U.S. from Scotland and Jamaica; one was originally from Rhode Island and developed Liberty Town as an early subdivision after the Revolution; five were merchants; one was actually a Vestryman of Trinity Episcopal; one served in both Union and Confederate armies; one was a trustee and member of St. George’s Vestry and helped to repair the church; two are father and son; and both War of 1812 veterans died during the war in contrast to the other veterans who survived their wars.