Gold Star veterans, by Glenda Masselink –

Memorial Day, as Decoration Day gradually came to be known, originally honored only those lost while fighting in the Civil War. But during World War I the United States found itself embroiled in another major conflict, and the holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars, including World War II, the Vietnam War, the Korean War, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

For decades, Memorial Day continued to be observed on May 30, the date General Logan, leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans, had selected for the first Decoration Day. But in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees. The change went into effect in 1971. The same law also declared Memorial Day a federal holiday.

Cities and towns across the United States host Memorial Day parades each year, often incorporating military personnel and members of veterans’ organizations.

Americans also observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials. Some people wear a red poppy in remembrance of those fallen in war—a tradition that began with a World War I poem. It is good on Memorial Day to remember the area men that gave their lives for our country.

The following soldiers are listed on the Edgerton Memorial on Main Street under Gold Star veterans.  The Gold Star symbol was started during WWI. At the beginning of the American involvement in 1917, families would hang huge banners with blue stars representing family members in the armed services. If the service member died in combat, the family would change the blue star to a gold star. After the war, Gold Star Mothers banded together and the group incorporated in 1928. 

Just as when it was founded, American Gold Star Mothers continue to concentrate on providing emotional support to its members, do volunteer work with veterans, volunteer at veteran hospitals, and foster a sense of patriotism and respect for members of the armed forces. The group currently has over 900 members. Sunday, September 25, 2022, is set apart as Gold Star Mothers Day.

These local soldiers are among the 8,230 American Gold Star casualties recorded in the HonorStates.org Minnesota archive with close ties to Minnesota. This is a substantial number of individuals who gave their lives in service to their country. The website’s core focus is on the decades spanning World War I through the Vietnam War.  Many volunteered to serve, while others were asked to join. Each situation was as unique as the individuals involved.