2020/05/19 - Mayor's Column: Memorial Day
“An Open Door to O’Fallon”
A Weekly Note from Mayor Herb Roach
We are living through a period of time which is bringing about a lot of change in how we conduct our lives. It is definitely limiting many of the freedoms that we have taken for granted. Those freedoms were won and paid for by the men and women of our armed services.
Next Monday, May 25th is Memorial Day. Unfortunately, due to some of the current limitations on gatherings and requirements for proper distancing, the Memorial Day Celebration at the Veterans Monument has been cancelled for this year.
But what isn’t cancelled is the remembrance of the over 1 Million men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms that we have in this great country.
This holiday goes back to 1866 when citizens went out to decorate the graves of soldiers from the Civil War with flowers and flags. Due to all the decorations being placed on the graves, it was originally called Decorations Day.
It was changed from Decorations Day to Memorial Day in 1967 and became an official federal holiday in 1971.
So as we sit at home this next Monday, please remember the real reason of this holiday and honor and say thank you for a debt we will never be able repay to the men and women who gave their lives for our freedoms.
---------------------------
I should also remind everyone that due to Memorial Day being on Monday, our City Council Committee meetings are rescheduled to Tuesday the 26th beginning at 5:30 p.m.
As residents of O’Fallon, you should always be able to reach out to your elected officials and ask questions about what is happening in O’Fallon. Having open communications is important to me and something I care very deeply about. Thank you for reading, and please remember, my door is always open (virtually, at least)!