Remembering Those Who Gave Everything.
Memorial Day is more than the unofficial start of the summer season: it is a day of remembrance for the men and women who died serving in the United States Armed Forces. The holiday, originally known as Decoration Day, started after the Civil War to honor the Union and Confederate dead.
Many of us are missing the annual gatherings in our towns, every year, for a Memorial Day Parade or ceremony. While we cannot stand side-by-side, we can still remember all of what was given for the United States and its citizens.
Kennebunk, and Maine generally, has so many inspiring stories of men and women serving in our military. Maine, for instance, sent more soldiers to war, per capita, than any other state in the Civil War. Additionally, Kennebunk sent more men to World War I, per capita, than any other Maine town. And in between, are stories of heroism, bravery, and selflessness.
If you are not yet signed up for our Saturday “Collections Spotlight” emails, make sure that you do (click here) – our Collections Manager Leanne Hayden has spotlighted some of these stories in her current edition discussing Memorial Day and its history.
We’re also hosting a few new videos to mark Memorial Day this year: premiering at noontime (on May 23), is our newest digital lecture, “Local Military History 101,” followed by a live look into Collections Storage via our Youtube Channel to view some of the Museum’s military artifacts.
Please find the accessible link here:
Next up, on Monday, May 25th, we’re premiering a short “Virtual Memorial Day Parade” video that combines Memorial Day photos from years past to mark the occasion. You will be able to find that on our Youtube Channel.
Thank you to all that served, continue to serve, and plan to serve. Of all the lessons history has taught us, perhaps most of all it displays to us, in plain sight, that our country depends upon those who would give everything to defend it. We salute you.
