The Beaver Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony – Monday, May 26th, 2025, starting at 10:30 a.m.

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1886 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was first observed on May 30, 1868 when flowers were placed on the graves of the Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. After World War I when the holiday changed from honoring just those who died fighting in the Civil War to honoring Americans who died fighting in any war. It is now celebrated on the last Monday in May. Traditional observance of Memorial Day has diminished over the years. Many Americans now a days have forgotten the meaning and traditions of Memorial Day. At many cemeteries the graves of the fallen are increasingly ignored. It has become a tradition that the members of the Beaver Volunteer Fire Department, Beaver High School JROTC and Boy Scout Troop 406 help place American flags on the markers of all Veterans at the Beaver Cemetery and participate in the Memorial Day parade.

And keeping with the many traditions in Beaver, each year the Beaver Area Heritage Foundation sponsors the colorful Beaver Memorial Day Parade. All active or former military personnel, are invited to march or ride, joining with the Beaver Area Senior High School JROTC, Marching Band and many other local organizations. A special Memorial Ceremony in the Beaver Cemetery immediately follows. The Program features an invited speaker, the BAHS Concert Choirs and Marching Band, recitation of the Gettysburg Address by the Senior Class President and a military salute that includes re-enactors, veterans, and a restored Revolutionary War-era cannon that will be fired as part of the military salute. A complimentary luncheon is provided by the Fort McIntosh Foundation, College Avenue, for all military personnel, first responders, program participants and their families.

For additional information, contact John Grosskopf at (724) 630-0798.