Memorial Day Remembered

A MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY ROOTED IN 1890s TRADITIONS

This year Kline Creek Farm will partner with the West Chicago City Museum for the free family-friendly program. Sara Phalen, the museum’s executive director, will share stories recorded by West Chicago men who served during the Civil War.

“Memorial Day began after the Civil War as Decoration Day. It was initiated by survivors of the Civil War — veterans, widows and relatives,” said Dennis Buck, Kline Creek Farm heritage interpreter. “Entire families were encouraged to participate, gather flowers, sing, help in school and community observations, and attend remembrance programs. Kline Creek Farm’s Memorial Day Remembered gives us the opportunity to do all of that again and reclaim the original purpose and meaning of the day.”

Program Schedule

• 1:30 – 2 p.m.   Make tissue-paper flowers by the farmhouse for the program.
• 2 – 3 p.m.        Music by Roger Kotecki Poems and readings that reflect on those who gave “the last full measure of devotion” and on the importance of remembering them.
• 3 – 3:30 p.m.   Make tissue-paper flowers for home as a remembrance of the day or to remember a loved one who has served the nation.

Registration is not required for Memorial Day Remembered. For more information, call Kline Creek Farm at 630-876-5900. Link to news release: https://www.dupageforest.org/news/news-releases/memorial-day-remembered