CARBONDALE - Southern Illinoisans are gathering today to pay homage to those who have gone before - thanks to a famous Southern Illinoisan often credited with starting Memorial Day.

Although former President Lyndon Johnson issued a proclamation naming Waterloo, N.Y., as the official home of Memorial Day, many believe Gen. John A. Logan was the real impetus behind Memorial Day.

In fact, Logan's legendary first Memorial Day service was held a full week prior to the ceremony in Waterloo.

Woodlawn Cemetery, located on Main Street in Carbondale, is the final resting place of more than 60 Civil War veterans.

It was in this cemetery that more than 200 veterans and 4,000 Carbondale residents gathered on April 29, 1866, to pay tribute to those who had died in the Civil War.

Logan served as keynote speaker for the first Memorial Day, where he said, "Every man's life belongs to his country and no man has the right to refuse when his country calls for it."

That first memorial service was a template for a national holiday that would have wide-reaching impact.

While serving as commander in chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, Logan issued General Order No. 11 mandating that his comrades observe May 30, 1868, and every following May 30 as "Decoration Day."

The name was changed to Memorial Day in 1882, and the scope was broadened to include memorials of soldiers who had died in all wars.

Memorial Day was a legal holiday in 12 northern states by 1888. Woodlawn Cemetery was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on Dec. 19, 1985. Its nomination was a surprise, because cemeteries are typically not accepted on the register.

Carbondale will celebrate its origins as the site of the first Memorial Day at an annual ceremony at 10 a.m. today. Mayor Brad Cole will serve as master of ceremonies, and keynote speaker will be retired U.S. Air Force Colonel George D. Hagans of Marion.

ashley.wiehle@thesouthern.com

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