Land of Heroes Exhibit
The Polk County History Center invites you to explore the Land of Heroes gallery, a tribute to the men and women from Polk County who gave their lives in service to our nation. The exhibit highlights the stories of local residents who served in conflicts across generations and helps connect visitors to the origins of Memorial Day.
Originally known as Decoration Day, the holiday began on May 5, 1868, when the leader of an organization for Union Civil War veterans Gen. John Logan, called for a national day of remembrance to honor fallen comrades. He chose May 30 deliberately, selecting a date unmarked by any Civil War battle, and asked that flowers be placed on the graves of those who died in defense of the nation.
“The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land.” -Gen. John Logan
Over time, the holiday expanded. After World War I, it grew to honor all American service members who lost their lives in service, from World War II and Korea to Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. For decades, Memorial Day was observed on May 30, the date set by Gen. Logan. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May.
Visit the Land of Heroes gallery at the Polk County History Center and learn more about the Polk Countians who have lost their lives in service to our nation.
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