Historic Waterloo… The Birthplace of Memorial Day
In May of 1991, in remembrance of Waterloo, NY’s 125th Commemoration of Memorial Day, InHouse Design created a limited edition poster celebrating the strength and character of the village. Representatives of all walks of life were asked to take part in a portrait in LaFayette Park, surrounding the Memorial Day Monument. In true Waterloo fashion, almost all those invited to participate did. We were blessed with perfect weather and model cooperation, and a great portrait of the people of the village was the reward.
Situated in the scenic Finger Lakes Region of upstate New York, Waterloo is a historic community with tree-lined streets and charming old homes. The village has gained international recognition as the birthplace of the United States’ annual Memorial Day observance.
Waterloo was incorporated in 1824. It was here in May 1866, that the nation’s first Memorial Day observance was held to honor local soldiers who died in the Civil War. In 1966, Waterloo was proclaimed the official birthplace of Memorial Day by the United States Congress and President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Cover Them Over With Beautiful Flowers
For many years it was the custom to have someone read Will Carleton’s poem “Cover Them Over With Beautiful Flowers” Durning the Memorial Day exercises. It appeared on most programs in every part of the country for its appropriateness to the occasion. It consists of eight twelve-line stanzas. An abridgment was made for school exercises, the first stanza, and chorus of which appear on the front of the poster.
Cover them over with beautiful flowers,
Deck them with garlands, those brothers of ours,
Lying so silent by night and by day,
Sleeping the years of their manhood away.
Give them the meed they have won in the past;
Give them the honors their future forecast;
Give them the chaplets they won in the strife;
Give them the laurels they lost with their life.
Chorus-
Cover them over, yes, cover them over,
Parent and husband, brother and lover,
Crown in your hearts those dead heroes of ours,
Cover them over with beautiful flowers.
Will Carleton
In May 1991, Waterloo, New York, remembers the
125th Anniversary of Memorial Day.
Source: The American Book of Days, by George William Douglas,
Revised by Helen Douglas Compton, 1957
Credits
Design: The In House Design Studio
Photography: Frank Petronio
Printing: Finger Lakes Press, Inc.
Paper: Alling and Cory Paper Company
Promotion: Waterloo Area Jaycees
Special Thanks to
All who participated in the photo shoot, your community spirit is greatly appreciated.
The musical group “For Dancers Only” whose entertainment provided a festive air at the photo shoot.
InHouse Design wishes you a peaceful and safe Memorial Day weekend.
