Historic Memorial Day in Philly: Salutes, ships and the key to summer

Memorial Olympia
Mark Dent

Memorial Day is a time to remember veterans who gave their lives to serve, and to enjoy the start of summer. Philadelphia has always been an ideal place to be at Memorial Day, and Billy Penn has combed through the archives of the Philadelphia Evening Bulletin, via Temple University Libraries, for these seven scenes of historic Memorial Day.

1952: Men place wreaths and pose at the statue of Commodore John Barry near Independence Hall.

1963: Students at Girard College give a salute to fallen soldiers during a Memorial Day service.

1963: 13-month-old child gets so excited for the pool on Memorial Day he forgets a swimsuit.

1964: Per tradition, “Miss Mermaid” unlocks the start of summer season at a beach in Atlantic City.

1971: Flags on graves at Philadelphia National Cemetery.

1972: Overbook Elementary students march to Fairmount Park carrying flags.

1977: A USS Olympia Memorial Day service at Penn’s Landing.

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