Memorial Day Wreath Laying and Monument Rededication Commemorates Those Who Made Ultimate Sacrifice

CHICAGO, May 30, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today a wreath laying and re-dedication ceremony was held at the General John A. Logan Monument, located in Chicago's Grant Park.  The annual event was conducted to reaffirm a pledge to assemble, honor and remember those who serve our country.  The event co-hosts, The Lawrence Pucci Wedgwood Society of Chicago and the Chicago Cultural Mile Association, also honored the spirit and memory of Civil War General John A. Logan, founder of Decoration Day, the predecessor of Memorial Day.

"The Memorial Day event featured a wreath laying ceremony to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.  It was conducted by representatives from each branch of the armed services as well as representatives from both Gold Star Mothers and Daughters of the American Revolution," according to Caryl Pucci Rettaliata, Co-Founder of the Lawrence Pucci Wedgwood Society of Chicago.  "Major General John L. Borling, United States Air Force (Retired) and a former Viet Nam Prisoner of War, oversaw the wreath laying ceremony," she added.

"Fallen members of the law enforcement and firefighter community were also remembered and memorialized at the event," according to J.R. Davis, Chairman and President of the Chicago Cultural Mile Association.  "Former Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis laid a wreath in memory of those who died in the service and protection of our communities," Davis said.  

In addition to the wreath laying ceremony, event participants witnessed the re-dedication of the General John A. Logan Monument.  Unveiled on July 22, 1897 at a Decoration Day ceremony, the Logan Monument was erected to remember those who served their country.  Civil War General Logan founded Decoration Day, now called Memorial Day, in 1868 with General Order No. 11 which says in part, "The 30th day of May, 1868, is designed 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."

The event concluded with a check from the Lawrence Pucci Wedgwood Society of Chicago presented to Honor Flight Chicago as well as a 21 Gun Salute conducted by the sailors from the Great Lakes Naval Stations and TAPs played by Buglers Across America.

Contact:
John Pastuovic
312-925-9092 (cell)

SOURCE Chicago Cultural Mile Association