Fort Jackson has representation at several events for Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the U.S. for remembering the people who died while serving in the country’s armed forces. The holiday, which is observed every year on the last Monday of May, originated as Decoration Day after the American Civil War in 1868, when the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union veterans founded in Decatur, Illinois, established it as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. By the 20th century, competing Union and Confederate holiday traditions, celebrated on different days, had merged, and Memorial Day eventually extended to honor all Americans who died while serving in the military.
May 20
The 282nd Army Band will be at the S.C. State House to provide a concert filled with patriotic music from 1-2 p.m. The concert, which is open to the public, will also feature members of the U.S. Marine Corps Band from Parris Island. There is no admission to attend.
May 29
Fort Jackson Commander Brig. Gen. Jason E. Kelly and post Command Sgt. Maj. Erick Ochs will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at the National Moment of Remembrance at the Fort Jackson Cemetery, May 29. There will also be patriotic music provided by the 282nd Army Band and Fort Jackson personnel will render a 21-gun salute. More information will be provided by the cemetery personnel.
