Rep. Paul Jacobs honors his fallen brother Gene during Memorial Day decoration efforts at Mounds City National Cemetery | Paul Jacobs' website
Rep. Paul Jacobs honors his fallen brother Gene during Memorial Day decoration efforts at Mounds City National Cemetery | Paul Jacobs' website
In a May 31 Facebook post, Rep. Paul Jacobs (R-Carbondale) gave constituents a glimpse into his Memorial Day activities on May 31.
"We began our Memorial Day at the Doughboy Statue in Herrin. Pleased to see so many people remember our fallen heroes that gave their all!" Jacobs posted.
On his website, Jacobs talked more about Memorial Day.
"This weekend, while many Illinoisans will enjoy time off relaxing, cleaning up the yard, hosting barbecues, swimming, fishing, going to ball games, and hitting the road to visit loved ones, many others will be taking time to commemorate Memorial Day, a day that means so much to Gold Star families and our entire nation and her free citizens," Jacobs posted.
"I began my Memorial Day weekend by placing flags on thousands of resting places at Mounds City National Cemetery. Remember, this is for the fallen, but we honor each veteran’s grave site," Jacobs said. "These American heroes died in defense of our nation so that you and I and generations before us and after us could live in a free and prosperous land. I hope you will also join with countless others and pause to dedicate your thoughts and prayers to the men and women of the US Armed Services that have given the last full measure of devotion in defense of this free and great nation."
The first major Memorial Day commemoration, then known as Decoration Day, was held May 30, 1868, a few years after the end of the Civil War. According to History.com, the day's designation was created "by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, to honor those who died 'in defense of their country during the late rebellion.'"
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