Spring Grove Cemetery honors Civil War veterans with Memorial Day ceremony

CINCINNATI (WXIX) - The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War held their annual Memorial Day ceremony at Spring Grove Cemetery, continuing a tradition that has honored fallen soldiers for more than 20 years.

Civil War era muskets fired in tribute to those who died in the bloodiest war on American soil.

“To the flag for which they fought. To the country for which they died. It is for us to keep the memories of their heroic service and unselfish sacrifice alive,” Rob Kidd said.

Spring Grove Cemetery is the final resting place of more than 5,000 veterans from the American Revolution to the conflicts in the Middle East. The Memorial Day event focused on the 999 Civil War soldiers who are buried there.

“Spring Grove has long been a place of honor for Cincinnati’s veterans and today’s ceremony reflects that tradition,” Don Kiffmeyer said.

History of Memorial Day observance

Memorial Day was officially established as a federal holiday in 1971. In 1868, a U.S. General proclaimed May 30 as “Decoration Day,” a day to decorate the graves of war dead.

That tradition continued at Spring Grove as rose petals were dropped on the graves of the fallen soldiers.

“These young men. They were all young in their twenties. Not many all that old. They signed up, volunteered to come out and die to preserve the Union,” Major Eric Brown said.

“How grateful we are for the sacrifices they did. They left their family and children, their farms, picked up a rifle and headed to the nearest unit to fight and preserve the union,” Denny Brown said.

Major Eric Brown encouraged everyone to enjoy the day with a backyard barbecue or other family event. He said the freedom to do that is what these men died for.

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