The BHS Marching Band will take part in Burlington’s annual Memorial Day commemoration beginning at 9 am with “Taps” on the Burlington Common. The morning performance will continue when the students take their place at Chestnut Hill Cemetery alongside town officials, Burlington veterans and honored guest speakers for the formal commemoration. Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who died in service to the United States of America.

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868, by General John A. Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The first state to officially recognize the holiday was New York in 1873. Originally known as Decoration Day it was for the Union and Confederate soldiers who died during the Civil War. After World War I, it became a holiday to honor all men and women who died in service.

Memorial Day is a much-anticipated performance displaying the fine talents of the students while exhibiting their respect for those men and women who have given their lives to serve this country. We hope everyone will be present to observe the day.