Celebrating Memorial Day in the Pittsburgh Region

By Paula Green

Memorial Day has been a significant part of American life for the past 157 years. It was first recognized in 1868 and became a federal holiday in 1971. This special day is observed on the last Monday of May to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. This year, Memorial Day will be observed on Monday, May 26.

Originally known as Decoration Day, the holiday began as a way to honor those who lost their lives during the Civil War. However, after World War I, it evolved to commemorate all American military personnel who have died in various conflicts, including World War II, the Vietnam War, and the Korean War. 

 The Veterans Leadership Program, in partnership with GCXC Racing Pittsburgh, is sponsoring a Memorial Day Remembrance Run. The event features a 10K, 5K, and 1-Mile Walk, scheduled for Saturday, May 24, at 9 a.m., taking place at the North Park Boathouse. For more information or to register, visit runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/MemorialDayRemembranceRun.

Additionally, the Prospect Borough Memorial Day Parade and Community Day will also be held on Saturday, May 24. Children’s activities will kick off at 3 p.m., followed by the parade at 4 p.m. on and around Prospect Borough Main Street. A spectacular fireworks display is set for 8:30 p.m. For further details, visit prospectborough.com/calendar-of-events.

Furthermore, Pittsburgh Hires Veterans is organizing a Veteran Memorial Bike Tour from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 24, at Helicon Brewing, located at 102 Union Avenue in Oakdale. The tour will follow the Panhandle Trail and provide opportunities to view veteran memorials. For more information, visit pittsburghhiresveterans.org/bike-tour/.

The Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum will host a Memorial Day Ceremony and Celebration from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday, May 26. The event will honor those who have served our country with a variety of activities, contests, entertainment, and refreshments. There will be an all-day tribute to Fallen Post-9/11 Pennsylvania Veterans, along with free museum tours available for visitors.

Additionally, Soldiers & Sailors will observe the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 p.m., an annual event that encourages Americans to pause for one minute, wherever they may be, to remember those who have died in military service to the United States. For more information, please visit www.soldiersandsailorshall.org/event/memorial-day-ceremony-celebration.

Following Memorial Day, Rocky Bleier’s "Call for the Greatest Generation" will take place at 4 p.m. on Friday, June 6, at Stage AE, located at 400 North Shore Drive in Pittsburgh. Be sure to mark your calendars for this special event, which will pay tribute to the Centenarian Veterans of World War II and commemorate the 250th birthday of the United States Army. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/rocky-bleiers-roll-call-for-the-greatest-generation-tickets.

Northern Connection magazine honors and salutes all of our fallen heroes and expresses gratitude to all military personnel for their courageous service in defending our country and our freedoms.

Sources: www.history.com/articles/memorial-day-history