Bishop Robert Deeley plans to celebrate a Memorial Day Mass at 10 a.m. Monday, May 29, at St. Peter’s Cemetery, 217 Switzerland Road in Lewiston.

All are invited to this Mass.

The origins of Memorial Day date back to the Civil War when many cities and towns would set aside a day to remember those who died in the war. Originally called Decoration Day, it was officially proclaimed by General John Logan, commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, on May 5, 1868, and was first observed on May 30 of that year when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers buried at Arlington National Cemetery, according to a news release from Dave Guthro, communications director, Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland.

In 1971, Congress passed a law placing the celebration of Memorial Day on the last Monday in May.

The Parish of the Holy Savior will hold a Memorial Day Mass at 8:15 a.m. Monday, May 29, at St. John Cemetery on Isthmus Road in Rumford.

A tent will be set up, but attendees are asked to bring their own lawn chairs. The Mass will include the reading of names of local veterans who have died during the past year.

 

 

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