The Columbus Memorial Day Parade, 1962 🇺🇸 ➡️ It was first called "Decoration Day", established three years after the Civil War in 1869. Columbus' first observance took place the next year. Businesses closed, flags flew at half-mast, and thousands gathered at cemeteries to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers (hence the name, which was changed to Memorial Day circa 1876). Over time, parades became a focal point in places like Worthington, Groveport, Grandview, Dublin, and Canal Winchester. They often featured military bands, national politicians, and guest speakers. 📸 Pictured: the 1962 parade downtown. In the background are the Tom Thumb Restaurant (replaced by the Key Bank building) and the Central Union Telephone Building (which still stands today). This parade ended at the Scioto River, where a floral anchor was ceremonially placed. Nine years after this parade, Memorial Day became a federally recognized holiday. #ohiohistory #memorialday #ushistory