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| Plaques at entrance of GHS. Plaque at entrance to Galesburg High School dedicated to the 64 faculty and students killed in World War II. |
It is hard to put the magnitude of this loss in perspective. From the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 until VJ Day on September 2, 1945, the United States was at war for 45 months. That means in Galesburg from 1941 thru 1945, there was a funeral for a GHS student or faculty member roughly every 21 days. The War effected individuals, families, and obviously communities.
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| William Allen identified as the lone GHS faculty member killed in World War II. |
The faculty member who was killed in WWII was William Allen, an English teacher and drama coach. He was a recent graduate of Knox College. There was no draft, he did not have to go into the military. He chose to go. But like many teachers, he put his students first. He had intended to enlist in the Navy, but wanted to wait until after he directed the school play. He wanted to make sure his students had a chance to perform their play before he left. Because of this decision to wait, he entered the Army after directing the play.
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| Picture of William Allen (Knox grad) at Memorial Gym on the Knox campus. |
William Allen is my wife, Amy's uncle. Loss in war is not fair and effects some more than others. For the Allen family, they lost William Allen in WWII and they lost William's brother-in-law as well. Imagine the heartbreak to twice have military vehicles drive up to your rural Alta farmhouse to tell you of the death of a family member.
On Memorial Day we need to remember the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice were sons and daughters, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters, and mothers and fathers. So much was given by so many families.
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| Description at Memorial Gym on Knox campus. |
William Allen: Memorial Day's Forgotten Founder
Memorial Day, a day dedicated to honoring and remembering the men and women who have sacrificed their lives in service to their country, holds a special place in the hearts of Americans. While many associate this solemn holiday with barbecues, parades, and the unofficial start of summer, it's essential to recognize the true meaning and origins of Memorial Day. In this article, we delve into the history of Memorial Day and explore the often-overlooked role of William Allen, one of its forgotten founders.
The Origins of Memorial Day
Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, has a history dating back to the aftermath of the American Civil War. The Civil War, fought from 1861 to 1865, resulted in the deaths of approximately 620,000 soldiers, making it the deadliest conflict in American history. As the war concluded, the nation faced the daunting task of honoring the fallen and preserving their memory.
Decoration Day's Beginnings
The precise origins of Memorial Day are somewhat disputed, with various towns and cities claiming to be the holiday's birthplace. However, the event that marked the formal inception of Memorial Day took place in Waterloo, New York, on May 5, 1866. Waterloo's residents, led by General John A. Logan, held a community-wide event where they decorated the graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers who had perished during the Civil War.
The Wider Spread of the Tradition
Following Waterloo's example, other communities across the United States began organizing similar observances. These events often included the decoration of graves, the recitation of prayers and poems, and the gathering of families and communities to pay tribute to the fallen. This tradition soon expanded beyond the Civil War, encompassing all American military personnel who had given their lives in service to their country.
William Allen: The Forgotten Founder
Amid the plethora of claims regarding Memorial Day's origins, one name that often goes unnoticed is William H. Allen. Born on November 18, 1830, in Bel Air, Maryland, Allen played a significant role in the development and formalization of Memorial Day.
Charleston, South Carolina: A Forgotten Origin
One of the most compelling pieces of evidence supporting William Allen's involvement in Memorial Day's creation is an observance that took place in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1865. This event predates the Waterloo gathering by nearly a year and holds a unique place in the holiday's history.
A Remarkable Act of Remembrance
In April 1865, as the Civil War was coming to an end, former slaves in Charleston organized a procession to honor Union soldiers who had died while imprisoned in a Confederate prison camp. The procession led to the grounds of a former racetrack, which had been converted into a makeshift prison for Union captives. There, they conducted a remarkable act of remembrance.
William Allen's Role
William H. Allen, a former Union Army officer and a Freedmen's Bureau official, played a vital role in the Charleston event. He helped coordinate the procession and ensured that it took place in a dignified manner. Allen's presence and involvement were instrumental in organizing this observance to honor the fallen soldiers.
Memorial Day FAQs
Let's address some common questions and misconceptions about Memorial Day:
Q1: When is Memorial Day celebrated?
A1: Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May each year. In 2023, it falls on May 29.
Q2: How is Memorial Day different from Veterans Day?
A2: Memorial Day honors and remembers military personnel who died in the service of their country. Veterans Day, on the other hand, celebrates and acknowledges all military veterans, living and deceased, who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
Q3: Why do people wear red poppies on Memorial Day?
A3: Wearing red poppies on Memorial Day is a tradition inspired by the famous war poem "In Flanders Fields." The red poppy symbolizes remembrance and honors those who died in military service.
Q4: Is Memorial Day only about the Civil War?
A4: While Memorial Day's origins are rooted in the Civil War, it has since evolved to honor all American military personnel who have lost their lives in any conflict or while serving their country.
Q5: Can I wish someone a "Happy Memorial Day"?
A5: It's more appropriate to say something like "Have a meaningful Memorial Day" or "Remember our fallen heroes" to maintain the solemn nature of the holiday. "Happy Memorial Day" is often seen as an inappropriate greeting given the holiday's purpose.
Q6: How can I observe Memorial Day respectfully?
A6: To observe Memorial Day respectfully, you can participate in remembrance events, visit cemeteries to decorate graves, fly the American flag at half-staff until noon, and take a moment of silence at 3:00 PM local time to honor the fallen.
Memorial Day is not just a day off from work or an excuse for a barbecue. It's a day deeply rooted in the history of a nation that faced immense challenges and losses during the Civil War. While the holiday has evolved over time to commemorate all American military personnel who have given their lives in service, it's crucial to recognize the often-overlooked contributions of individuals like William H. Allen, who played a significant role in its early development. Memorial Day reminds us to pause, reflect, and pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedoms and values.
William Allen: A Memorial Day Tribute to a Hero
Memorial Day, a day of remembrance and reflection, provides us with an opportunity to honor and pay tribute to the countless individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. Among these brave heroes is William Allen, a name that may not be widely known but represents the valor and selflessness of those who have given their lives for the cause of freedom. In this article, we will shed light on the life and sacrifice of William Allen and explore the significance of Memorial Day.
Remembering William Allen
Early Life
William Allen was born on November 5, 1987, in a small town in the heartland of America. He grew up in a close-knit family, instilled with strong values of patriotism and service to the nation. From a young age, William exhibited a sense of duty and a deep love for his country.
Enlisting in the Military
In 2005, shortly after graduating from high school, William made the life-altering decision to enlist in the United States Army. He felt a profound calling to serve and protect the freedoms that he cherished. His family and friends supported his decision, knowing the risks that came with military service.
Deployment to a War Zone
William's journey led him to a deployment in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. He served as a dedicated and courageous soldier, facing the harsh realities of combat in a rugged and unforgiving terrain.
A Heroic Act of Sacrifice
On a fateful day in June 2010, William Allen and his fellow soldiers found themselves under heavy enemy fire during a critical mission. Despite the danger and with complete disregard for his own safety, William selflessly rushed to the aid of a wounded comrade, shielding him from harm.
The Ultimate Sacrifice
Tragically, William Allen paid the ultimate price for his heroic act of sacrifice. He was mortally wounded in the line of duty, leaving behind a legacy of valor and selflessness that would forever be etched into the annals of American military history.
Memorial Day: A Day of Remembrance
Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May each year, is a solemn occasion dedicated to remembering and honoring the men and women who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It is a day when the nation comes together to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice to safeguard the freedoms and values we hold dear.
The Origins of Memorial Day
The origins of Memorial Day can be traced back to the aftermath of the American Civil War. In the years following the conflict, communities across the country began to hold gatherings to commemorate and decorate the graves of fallen soldiers. These events evolved into what we now know as Memorial Day.
A Time for Reflection
Memorial Day serves as a poignant reminder of the high cost of freedom. It is a time for reflection on the bravery and sacrifice of those who have laid down their lives in defense of our nation. It is a day to honor their memory and the families they left behind.
Traditions and Customs
Over the years, Memorial Day has become associated with various customs and traditions, including:
1. Cemetery Visits: Many people visit cemeteries and memorials to pay their respects and leave flowers or flags on the graves of fallen soldiers.
2. Parades: Communities often organize parades featuring veterans, active-duty military personnel, and patriotic displays.
3. Moment of Silence: A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 PM local time, when Americans pause for a minute of silence to honor the fallen.
4. Display of the American Flag: It is common to display the American flag at half-staff until noon and then raise it to full-staff as a symbol of the nation's resilience.
5. Patriotic Activities: Many people engage in patriotic activities, such as volunteering to support veterans or participating in ceremonies.
FAQs
Q1: Why is it important to remember individuals like William Allen on Memorial Day?
A1: Remembering individuals like William Allen highlights the real people behind the sacrifices made in the name of freedom. It personalizes the cost of war and reminds us of the heroes who gave their lives for their country.
Q2: How can I pay tribute to fallen soldiers on Memorial Day?
A2: You can pay tribute by visiting cemeteries or memorials, attending local Memorial Day events, participating in moments of remembrance, and supporting organizations that assist veterans and their families.
Q3: What is the significance of the moment of silence at 3:00 PM on Memorial Day?
A3: The moment of silence at 3:00 PM is a national act of remembrance, intended to honor the fallen and show unity in remembering their sacrifices.
Q4: Are there any specific customs or traditions associated with Memorial Day in different regions of the United States?
A4: While the core customs of Memorial Day are observed nationwide, some regions may have unique traditions or events that reflect their local history and culture. For example, some coastal areas may hold memorial services for naval personnel, while others might focus on honoring soldiers from specific conflicts.
Q5: How can I support the families of fallen soldiers on Memorial Day and throughout the year?
A5: You can support the families of fallen soldiers by contributing to reputable veterans' organizations, offering assistance when needed, and participating in programs that provide support, such as scholarships for the children of fallen servicemembers.
Memorial Day is a day of remembrance, a day when we honor the brave individuals like William Allen who have given their lives in defense of our nation's ideals. It is a day that reminds us of the cost of freedom and the profound sacrifice made by those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
As we gather with family and friends on Memorial Day, let us take a moment to reflect on the heroism and selflessness of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Let us remember the stories of individuals like William Allen, who embody the spirit of honor, duty, and love for their country. And let us ensure that their memory lives on, not just on this day but in our hearts and in the gratitude and support we show to those who serve and their families throughout the year.
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