Highlights Archives
Decoration Day at Old World Wisconsin
In an event that will recall the origins of today's Memorial Day holiday, Old World Wisconsin will roll back the clock to observe that holiday's predecessor, Decoration Day, on Sunday, May 25. Originally conceived as an occasion to honor Civil War dead by decorating their graves, the inaugural Decoration Day was celebrated on May 30, 1868. It wasn't until 1882 that the name and the nature of the holiday changed. That's when Decoration Day evolved into Memorial Day, an occasion to memorialize soldiers who had died in all American military conflicts. In observing Decoration Day, Old World Wisconsin will feature a spectrum of holiday activities that date before and after the change in the holiday's name and its purpose.
Visitors can expect to take part in a variety of Decoration Day and Memorial Day observances:
- Join in a solemn procession to the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery for a circa 1916 ceremony filled with patriotic music, eloquent speeches, beautiful recitations, and the emotionally charged grave decoration ceremony, replete with rifle salutes and the playing of taps.
- At the cemetery, help the ladies of the Women's Relief Corps make flower arrangements and wreaths to place upon soldiers' graves.
- Discover the fascinating history of the Grand Army of the Republic and the important role it played in establishing Memorial Day.
- Inspect the military equipment of the 1st Wisconsin Sanitary Train — an ambulance company — and observe the equipment and surgical techniques employed by Army medical units in World War I.
- Enjoy a special Memorial Day program presented by the legendary 1st Brigade Band.
For complete details on hours, admission fees, location and directions, food service and other details, see our Plan Your Visit pages.
:: Posted May 19, 2008
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