Memorial Day in the United States is often conflated with the first big trip to the lake or a random day off from work – but its significance extends far beyond that.
“Memorial Day is based upon Major General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) establishing ‘Decoration Day’ as a day to decorate the graves of Union soldiers in 1868,” says James Erb, a curator at the Muskogee War Memorial Park. “Then in 1971, the federal government established May 30th as a federal holiday.”
Erb, a U.S. Air Force veteran who served from 1970 to 1988, continues: “The meaning has changed over the years; today, it is a day to reflect on the sacrifices of members of our military services and first responders, and pay respect to them.”
According to Erb, Oklahomans can show that respect for the day and the fallen heroes by attending services and memorials that are being held in and around our local communities by service organizations such as the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars group.
If museums are more your thing, many offer tours and memorial services on this day of remembrance.
“There are several museums in Oklahoma that have military artifacts and displays,” says Erb. “By visiting them and learning more of our history, they will help keep these museums open and allow them the opportunity to teach a slice of American history.”
Erb, of course, encourages people to visit the museum he maintains – the Muskogee War Memorial Park Museum, home of the WWII submarine the U.S.S. Batfish, to “learn of the sacrifices and triumphs of the Submarine Service.”
Denise Nell, executive director of the Oklahoma National Guard Museum, is quick to stress the importance of our country’s history and sacrifices, evidenced in a service she’s planning for Memorial Day.
“It’s an important ceremony to remember the people who have given their lives in service for their country,” says Nell. “The week after Memorial Day, the museum will be closing for nearly a year to move to a new location and reopen in May of 2026. Come visit before it closes.”
Derrick Redd, director of the Fort Gibson National Cemetery, mentions that a guest speaker will be on hand to address the 10 a.m. memorial service put on by his organization, along with American flags gracing every headstone – a sight sure to evoke a feeling of pride in visitors.
“Oklahomans are a patriotic bunch and have always turned out to honor those who have paid the ultimate price to ensure American freedom,” says Erb. “Politics notwithstanding, this is a day to come together and pay tribute to these heroes. It is also appropriate to say ‘thank you’ to veterans you encounter in your daily endeavors.”
Memorial Day Weekend Events
Roots Ball
Town Center Mainstage, Medicine Park
May 23-25
Boley Rodeo
Main Street, Boley
May 24
Chuck Wagon Festival
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, OKC
May 24-25
Memorial Day Commemoration
Oklahoma National Guard Museum, OKC
May 26
Fort Gibson Memorial Day Service
Fort Gibson National Cemetery
May 26
U.S.S. Batfish Memorial Day Commemoration
U.S.S. Batfish & War Memorial Park, Muskogee
May 26
Norman Veterans Car Show
Norman Veterans Center
May 31
Main image cutline: The Fort Gibson National Cemetery will host a Memorial Day service on May 26. Photo courtesy the Fort Gibson National Cemetery
