05/25/2026
Did you know Memorial Day originated just outside of Rochester?
Memorial Day originated just east of us in Waterloo, NY in the summer of 1865.
Henry C. Welles was praising local veterans after the Civil War and mentioned how those who lost their lives should be remembered by placing flowers on their graves.
On May 5, 1866, the first Memorial Day took place with flags throughout the village of Waterloo at half mast with ceremonies taking place.
On May 5, 1867, the ceremonies repeated. In 1868, Waterloo joined other local communities in recognizing the official date of Memorial Day at May 30 in accordance with General Logan's orders and has been held annually ever since.
100 years later, Waterloo was recognized by the State of New York on March 7, 1966 with a proclamation signed by Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller. Then Waterloo was recognized by Congress of the United States when the House of Representatives and the Senate unanimously passed House Concurrent Resolution 587 on May 17th and May 19th, 1966 respectively. This reads in part as follows: “Resolved that the Congress of the United States, in recognition of the patriotic tradition set in motion one hundred years ago in the Village of Waterloo, NY, does hereby officially recognize Waterloo, New York as the birthplace of Memorial Day…”
Photo: Monroe County Clerk's Office
Source: https://villageofwaterloony.gov/memorial-day/history/
