Amid the blowout sales and weekend vacation trips, 300+ gathered in Eugene Pioneer Cemetery on Memorial Day to witness history in re-enaction.

Surrounding the central plot’s Union Soldier Statue, a crowd stood in observance of the often-forgotten origin of Memorial Day- the end of the United States Civil War. The annual event, hosted by the American Legion Post #3, a local veterans organization, commenced with remarks by its commander, Jim Walsh.

“Memorial Day is a solemn occasion,” Walsh opened, backed up by other members, all dressed to the nines in traditional civil war union soldier garb. “We remember the lives of over 1 million people who gave their lives in defense of our freedom and liberty. Our history is complex. It has its good parts and its bad parts, but its important to know our history.”

In line with this stated mission, Reverend D.H. Shearer read the General Order of General John J. Logan, which in 1862 established Memorial Day. Jim Walsh then told the history of Edward D. Baker, a Eugene resident who fought and died for the Union Army, hailing his service.

This was followed by a spirited reading of the Gettysburg Address by local President Lincoln impersonator Steven Holgate, also dressing the part. The observance then closed with a playing of taps and Amazing Grace, a 21 musket-rifle salute by the American Legion, and a performance of Stars and Stripes Forever by the Shasta Middle School Band.

Despite the reverent tone of those gathered, the event also indicated a conflict over the nature of Memorial Day. Walsh spoke of declining participation in national service and attendance at national parks. Troubled by this trend, Walsh said he feared a “cultural apathy towards our history” had taken over. This change was reflected by the demographics of attendees, the majority of whom older in age.

Attendee Shaul Cohen spoke in agreement with Walsh: “I saw an ad by Budweiser in the paper this morning that asked that reader ‘take a minute’ to remember veterans before buying a beer I guess. Well I’m a veteran, and I want more than a minute dammit!”

Though Memorial Day may mean just a long weekend to many today, to attendees of the Observance, it is a day of true reverence and remembrance of a time when the United States was bloodily divided. Those attending hope to ensure this history is never forgotten or repeated.