Several residents of The Landings gathered at the flagpole near Picnic Pointe on May 25, 2026, to honor those who lost their lives in battle. The solemn ceremony was led by Riverside resident Scott Dustin, who served as a U.S. Navy corpsman attached to the Marine Corps.
The service began at Noon by raising the American flag to full staff after it had been lowered to half-staff at sunrise on Memorial Day, as prescribed in the flag code. Scott reminded the attendees of the purpose of the day. It was established in 1868 following the Civil War to honor those who were killed in battle while serving in the United States Armed Services.
Decoration Day was the original name for the holiday, since the order given by General John Logan, the national commander of the Grand Army of the republic, proclaimed it on May 5, 1868. The order read: “The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land.”
Now known as Memorial Day, the national holiday was officially changed to the last Monday in May 1971. Although this weekend is recognized as the kickoff for the summer season, Scott reminded everyone that it is important to remember those who, as Abraham Lincoln so eloquently stated in the Gettysburg Address, gave “… the last full measure of devotion.”
Since this day is meant to be a day of remembrance and mourning, many veterans are dismayed when people say, “Happy Memorial Day.” Although no harm is meant by the comment, this holiday is not meant to be a happy occasion.
A particularly moving part of the ceremony came when those who chose to do so stated the name and relationship of people they personally knew who died in battle. One man’s father lost his life in World War II while several others named were killed in Vietnam and Afghanistan.
Any resident may attend the annual ceremony. Residents are invited to gather shortly before Noon each Memorial Day to remember those who gave their lives in service to their country. All are welcome.
