A Short History of Memorial Day
Memorial Day originated in the years following the Civil War and was originally called Decoration Day. In 1920 the poppy became the official flower and symbol. This was due to the popularity of the wartime poem “In Flanders Fields.” It became an official federal holiday in 1971.The national holiday was established to honor those who lost their lives while serving in the U.S. armed forces.
A Time of Remembrance…and Travel
The long weekend unofficially ushers in the summer season. It is also a popular weekend to travel. A poll of more than 1,000 people by Vacasa found 31% plan to travel for Memorial Day. 2022 booking data by AAA Travel shows reservations for flights, rental cars, cruises and hotels have increased 122% over 2021!
If you find yourself visiting the beach-town of Muskegon, Michigan this Memorial Day, below is a list of our many military museums, memorial sites and events.
Civil War Monuments in Hackley Park
Visit beautiful Hackley Park in Downtown Muskegon. Take a stroll around this National Historic Designated Park and view monuments of General Ulysses S. Grant by Artist J. Massey Rhind, William Tecumseh Sherman also by J. Massey Rhind and David Farragut by Artist Charles Niehaus and the Sailors and Soldiers Monument.
Sailors and Soldiers Monument in Hackley Park
Kearny Memorial Park: The Statue and Fountain
A small park is tucked away where Peck and Terrace St converge. This pie shaped park contains a statue of Philip Kearny Jr. and recently restored fountain. Read more about it’s history and General Kearny HERE
Address: Corner of Peck and Terrace St, Muskegon, MI 49441
USS LST 393
The USS LST 393 Veterans Museum is an LST-1-class tank landing ship originally launched in 1942. She is one of only two LSTs to survive in their original configuration. During her service she won battle stars for the Sicilian occupation, Salerno landings, and the Invasion of Normandy. The LST 393 made 75 voyages to foreign shores and was one of the only LSTs to be equipped with an airplane.
Address: 560 Mart St, Muskegon, MI 49440
“Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” Sculpture
“Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy” by sculptor Ari Norris is located near the bow of the USS LST 393 Veterans Museum. The statue represents Muskegon-born Clarence Zylman, the famed Boogie Woogie Bugler of World War II and topic of the famous The Andrews Sisters song, later re-recorded by Bette Midler.
Address: 560 Mart St, Muskegon, MI 49440
USS Silversides Submarine
Tour the historic Gato class (built for the US Navy launched between 1941–1943) submarine. During her service, she received 12 battle stars and was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation for cumulative action over four patrols. She is credited with sinking 23 ships – the third-most of any allied World War II submarine! According to JANAC (Joint Army-Navy Assessment Committee) the USS Silversides has the most prolific combat record of any still extant American Submarine.
In her retirement, the Silversides found a home in Muskegon, where she is part of the USS Silverside Museum. Docked in the Muskegon channel, she floats behind the US Coast Guard Cutter McLane, also available to tour. A two story museum center, filled with historic naval and interactive exhibits, completes the setting.
Address: 1346 Bluff St, Muskegon, MI 49441
Veteran’s Memorial Park
A “Living Memorial to the World War Dead” the historically significant Veterans Memorial Park is located on 50 acres along the “West Michigan Pike”. The park contains a lagoon and small island which can be reached by 2 footbridges. There are several war memorials, a large fountain and a Vietnam Memorial. Learn more about this beautiful and historic park HERE
Address: M. Causeway, Muskegon, MI 49445
Vietnam War Memorial “Final Approach”
Tucked inside Hidden Cove Park is the Vietnam War Memorial “Final Approach”. Rising above the park, surrounded by flags, benches and plaques is a UH-1D helicopter; a combat veteran of the Vietnam War. Learn more about this monument and park HERE
Address: 3941 Grand Haven Rd, Norton Shores, MI 49441
Memorial Day Events to Attend
🌺 Milwaukee Clipper Memorial Day Party
Saturday, May 28: Step aboard the SS Milwaukee Clipper, for an on-the-water open-house Memorial Day Party! Take this “Maritime Step Back in Time” and be awed by the history and beauty of this Historic National Landmark known as the “Queen of the Great Lakes”. The Steamship S. S. Milwaukee Clipper, is the oldest passenger ship on the Great Lakes. Click HERE for more info
🌺 Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom and Candle Light Vigil
Candle Light Vigil for POW/MIA Prisoners of War at Sandy’s Harley-Davidson. Click HERE for more info
🌺 USS Silversides Museum – Lost Boat Ceremony 2022
Sunday, May 29: The Lost Boat Ceremony honors and remembers the sailors and submarines that were lost during WWII. It is a family friendly event, open to the public, and the museum and both vessels are free all day. It begins with a fly-over and ends with starting two of the main engines of U.S.S. Silversides. The guest speaker for the ceremony will be Rear Admiral Thomas Meek USN (Ret.). Click HERE for more info
🌺 Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom
Sunday, May 29: Demonstration Ride from Hot Rod Harley Davison to the Michigan State Capitol to bring awareness that many POW’s/MIA’s that were left behind. Click HERE for more info
🌺 2022 Greater Muskegon Memorial Day Parade and Music Ceremony
Monday, May 30: Come to Downtown Muskegon for the 2022 Greater Muskegon Memorial Day Parade and Music Ceremony. The parade begins at 9am on Morris Ave. Click HERE for more info
🌺 Immediately following the conclusion of the parade, a Musical Memorial Day Ceremony will be held in the beautiful Frauenthal Center, featuring the Mona Shores High School Marching Band. This musical tribute will honor the brave military members who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country. Doors open at 9:30am, admission is free. Click HERE for more info
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.”
~ John F. Kennedy