BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Memorial Day is a day to honor and mourn military personnel who died serving in the United States armed forces.
The holiday was first observed on May 30, 1868 and was known then as Decoration Day.
The idea was conceived by Secretary Mary Ann Williams. On March 11, 1866, she wrote a letter published in a local newspaper that suggested we "set apart a certain day to be observed ... to wreathe the graves of our martyred dead with flowers."
In 1971, it became a federal holiday that's observed the last Monday of every May.
During the upcoming Memorial Day weekend (May 27-29), these local tributes are among the ceremonies happening right here in the Lehigh Valley.
- Killed in Action (Vietnam War) Memorial Service: Noon on May 29 at 10 E. Church St. in Bethlehem. This ceremony presented by the Bethlehem Detachment 284 of the Marine Corps League. For more information contact Doug Graves at 540-842-3241, or doug@graves.org.
- Memorial Day Commemoration: May 27-29 at the SteelStacks. This commemorative event, in its 13th year, will feature the Hometown Heroes 2023 photo-banner, live music and remembrance ceremonies including “A Time to Remember,” and “Remember Our Heroes” luminary display.
- Bethlehem Memorial Day Parade: 9-11 a.m. on May 29 at Liberty High School (Linden St.) This parade is hosted by the United Veterans of Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council.
- The Allentown Band Memorial Day Celebration Concert: 7 p.m. on May 28 at Springhouse Middle School. Hosted by South Whitehall Recreation, the band aims to preserve and advance the heritage of concert band music.
- Salute to the Troops Dinner: 6-10 p.m. on May 5 at DeSales University. This dinner is hosted by the City of Allentown and the Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council. $45 per person, $500 per table.
- Taps over Bethlehem: 8-9 a.m. at Nisky Hill Cemetery on Memorial Day morning. Dozens of trumpets perform taps continuously over a 3-mile route through Nisky Hill Cemetery to Memorial Park Cemetery. For more information, contact Mitch Huston at 610-570-2355.
- Upper Saucon Memorial Day Event: 9:30 am on May 29 at the Saucon Community Park Baseball Field. This is a two-mile walk/run/bike ride. The Gold Star family of Specialist Jesse D. Reed will be in attendance, as well as the Upper Saucon Fire and Police Departments, as well as the Pennsylvania State Color Guard Team.
- Williams Township Memorial Observance: 6 p.m. on May 28 at Williams Twp. Municipal Building, 655 Cider Press Rd. At sunset, a ceremony will honor fallen heroes, living veterans and those on active duty. Pastor Kevin Strawn, who served two tours of duty overseas, will deliver an address on the topic “No Greater Love.”
- Riegelsville Memorial Day Parade: 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 28 at the Riegelsville Fire House at. Post-parade festivities will be at the Riegelsville Legion Post 650 on 238 Ash Lane. Refreshments will be available.