Memorial Day weekend often signals the start of summer—filled with barbecues, beaches, and family time. But before the picnics and parades, it is, first and foremost, a day of remembrance.
Memorial Day began as Decoration Day in the aftermath of the Civil War. On May 30, 1868, General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic called on Americans to decorate the graves of Union soldiers with flowers. Communities across the North, including here on Long Island, took up the call.
Some of the earliest observances happened in places like Brooklyn (yes, that’s part of Long Island!), Hempstead, Huntington, and Patchogue, where local veterans and families gathered in cemeteries to honor the fallen. At Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, Decoration Day became a major event. Though Lindenhurst—then known as Breslau—was still a young village founded in 1873, residents likely took part in neighboring Babylon’s commemorations and eventually developed their own traditions. By the early 1900s, Lindenhurst held its own ceremonies rooted in local pride and national sacrifice.
Today, that legacy continues. Lindenhurst’s Memorial Day events bring together veterans, scouts, school bands, churches, and families to remember those who gave their lives in service to our country. From solemn moments at Breslau Cemetery to the festive procession down Wellwood Avenue, it’s a day when our community pauses to reflect and give thanks.
As a church, we believe remembering is sacred work. It’s how we honor the past, pray for peace, and ground ourselves in values worth living for. Make sure your Memorial Day weekend observances include worship with us on Sunday, May 25, at 9:30 AM. Our worship includes a special Memorial Day Blessing.
This blessing can serve as a prelude to the community’s parades and services, beginning at 10:00 AM on Monday, May 26. The VFW will hold its ceremony at Breslau Cemetery and proceed to Fireman’s Memorial Park. From there, the full parade steps off at 11:00 AM, heading west on Hartford Street, then south on North Wellwood Avenue, and concluding at Village Hall around noon.
This weekend, let us remember—with gratitude, community, and faith.
Blessings,
Pastor Marc
