Article: `Birthplace' of Memorial Day Recalls Its Meaning

Memorial Day for many means picnics, beach outings and the Indianapolis 500. And that bothers people in this village that claims to be the holiday's birthplace.

People in Waterloo take Memorial Day seriously.

"The meaning of the day's been lost," said Joseph C. Donahue, a retired postmaster and World War II veteran. He is cochairman of the Waterloo Memorial Day Committee planning next year's 125th anniversary observance.

"Nowadays, Memorial Day is thought of as a reason for a three-day weekend. A day for boat races, fishing derbies, marathon races or fireworks. There's lot of activities, but nothing that really has to do with Memorial Day."

It is difficult to say where Memorial Day was ...

Related newspaper, magazine, and journal articles:

 
 
Newsweek Harper's Magazine The Washington Post Chicago Tribune Crain's Chicago Business PRNewswire Pediatric News The Nation Advertising Age The Economist (US) A FREE trial gives you access to over 80 million articles! Access over 6,500 publications with a FREE trial!