News / Press Releases Discover the History of Memorial Day on May 28 & 30 at the George Ranch Historical Park Discover the History of Memorial Day on May 28 & 30 at the George Ranch Historical Park
For Immediate Release: Thursday, May 19, 2016
Media Contact: Jennifer Farrell 281-382-0219 (cell)
RICHMOND – Visit the George Ranch Historical Park for a special Memorial Day Remembrance on Saturday, May 28 and Monday, May 30.
HISTORY
Memorial Day’s roots began in the South just after the Civil War, when the Ladies Memorial Association of Columbus, Georgia, established a day of remembrance for fallen Confederate soldiers. Then, in May 1868, General John A. Logan issued a proclamation calling for “Decoration Day” to be observed annually and nationwide on May 30. “The holiday quickly took root in Northern states and was widespread by the end of the century,” said Director of Programs Krystal Willeby. “Whether celebrated in the North or South, the remembrance traditions had many things in common. Families would visit the graves of their lost soldiers and great care and effort was given to cleaning the tombstones and laying flowers and wreaths on the graves. Picnics were held by the markers of the lost. Often, large-scale grave cleanings and decoratings were organized and held with speeches and hymns performed to commemorate these activities.” The name change – from Decoration Day to Memorial Day – began to take root in the 1880s, but would not be formally recognized by the United States government until 1967. In 1968, the date was moved from its traditional May 30 date to the last Monday in May.
ACTIVITIES
On Saturday, May 28 and Monday, May 30, guests can take a historic look at Memorial Day by exploring letters from lost Texas soldiers throughout the decades – from those who served in the Texas Revolution to those who served in World War II. A Victorian Decoration Day ceremony will take place at 11:30 a.m.; afterward, visitors can help clean the graves of those who served in honor of those lost in war. A special WWI-era poppy-making activity will also be ongoing at the 1930s George Home.
HISTORIC LUNCH
A USO-inspired Memorial Day lunch will take place at 12:30 p.m. in the yard of the 1930s George Home. Cost for the meal is $15 for adults ages 13 and older; $12 for children ages 5-12 and $4 for children 4 and under. The menu, which is inspired by actual World War II USO menus, includes homemade cream of tomato soup, sliced roast turkey, sliced spiced ham, assorted breads and cheeses, pickled okra, onions, beets, garden vegetable salad with homemade dressings, pasta salad, molasses baked beans, apple and peach cobblers, tea and water. Please call (281) 343-0218 or make reservations online for the historic meal.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Park is located at 10215 FM 762 in Richmond. General admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $5 for children ages five to 15. Children four and under are free. The Park is typically open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but WILL be open Monday, May 30 for Memorial Day. For more information, visit www.georgeranch.org or call 281-343-0218.
