Memorial Day History
Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.
The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C.
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City of Revere 2015 Memorial Day Oberservance announced by Mayor Dan Rizzo
Superintendant of the Chelsea Soldier’s Home, Cheryl Lussier Poppe to be Guest Speaker
Mayor Daniel Rizzo is pleased to announce that this year’s Memorial Day Exercises will be held on Monday, May 25, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. on the lawn of the American Legion Building at 249 Broadway.
Guest Speaker for the 2015 Memorial Day Ceremony will be Superintendant of the Chelsea Soldier’s Home, Cheryl Lussier Poppe. Ms. Poppe served for 30 years in the Massachusetts National Guard where her most recent assignment was Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel. Upon her retirement from the military, she was employed at the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services as Deputy Secretary for Programs, Services, and Personnel. Cheryl was involved in several committees and initiatives including the development of an enhanced web portal for Massachusetts Veterans and families now known as Mass Vets Advisor.
On November 6, 2014, Cheryl was appointed as Superintendent of the Chelsea Soldiers’ Home. Today, veterans at the Chelsea Soldiers’ Home receive the highest level of health care and services with the honor, dignity, and respect they deserve
The Master of Ceremonies for the event will be Director of Veterans’ Services, Nicholas Bua. Mr. Bua is an Air Force veteran serving in France during the Vietnam era. He has been active in veteran affairs since 1980. Appointed to the V.A. Medical Center Advisory Board, he earned his 500-hour pin. Mr. Bua has served on many committees performing duties at both the Chelsea Soldiers Home and the V.A. in Jamaica Plain.
The ceremony will include laying of wreaths, musical selections, the playing of taps and a recitation of the names of Revere’s war dead from the Revolutionary War through the Gulf War. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved inside the American Legion Hall. Refreshments will be provided by the Post #4524 VFW Mottolo Post. All are encouraged to attend.
