Memorial Day is a time to remember the sacrifices of those who died while defending our great nation.  It is our honor and duty to celebrate their commitment, courage and spirit. 

~ Williams Funeral Homes

A Brief History of Memorial Day

Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service to our country. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of former sailors and soldiers.

During the first national celebration, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, after which 5,000 participants helped to decorate the graves of the more than 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers who were buried there. This event was inspired by local observances of the day that had taken place in several towns throughout America in the three years after the Civil War. By the late 1800s, many more cities and communities observed Memorial Day, and after World War I, it became an occasion for honoring those who died in all America’s wars.

Memorial Day is celebrated at Arlington National Cemetery each year with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Traditionally, the President or Vice President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. About 5,000 people attend the ceremony annually.

When is Memorial Day?

In 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated on the last Monday of May. Several southern states, however, have an additional, separate day for honoring the Confederate war dead: January 19 in Texas; April 26 in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi; May 10 in South Carolina; and June 3 in Louisiana and Tennessee.

Reference:  http://www.pbs.org/memorialdayconcert/meaning/

A private family interment will be held at the Fairview Lawn Cemetery. Friends are invited to join the family at the Market Street United Methodist Church, 75 Market Street, Onancock, VA 23417, for further sharing memories of David and a meal, immediately following the Celebration of Life service. That church is two doors down from the Baptist Church, and is within walking distance if able.

Our Mission

We believe that our reputation for integrity and honorable dealings is our most important asset. We believe in our funeral home's team. We are committed to working together and putting the families we serve first. We believe in high standards and believe that strong integrity is the foundation of great service. We, as individuals, hold ourselves to that high standard in all of our efforts in serving the Eastern Shore of Virginia Community.