Memorial Day Parades in Grafton, West Virginia

I live in the historical city of Grafton, West Virginia. Grafton is 152 years old. It is located in Taylor County which is in North Central West Virginia and has the longest running Memorial Day Observance in the United States. There has been a Memorial Day Parade here every year since 1867. This year will mark the 141st Memorial Day Celebration in Grafton.

The Memorial Day Celebration lasts all weekend long. It will be held from Friday May 23rd, 2008 through Monday May 26th, 2008. There is music, food, fireworks, model railroad exhibits, storytelling and the main event, the Memorial Day Parade. The parade runs down Main street in Grafton and ends at the Grafton National Cemetery. This weekend celebration is called the Spirit of Grafton Celebration. The locals and many of Grafton's natives who have moved away come back to join all the festivities this small town has to offer.

Grafton is also know as "Memorial City". In 1882 Reno Post No. 7 Grafton Unit of Grand Army of the Republic was created. This group changed the previous name of Flower Strewing Day to it's now more appropriate name of Memorial Day. Therefore Grafton became know as "Memorial City".

While visiting Grafton there are other sites and attractions you can enjoy. Tygart Lake State Park and Tygart Lake and Dam are located here in Grafton. West Virginia's only two national cemeteries are located here in Grafton, Grafton National Cemetery located at 431Walnut Street and West Virginia National Cemetery located 5 miles west of Grafton on Rt 50. The railroad station, now the B&O Railroad Heritage Center is in downtown Grafton. The Tygart Valley River also runs right through the out-skirts of Grafton. The Anna Jarvis (the founder of Mother's Day) House is located 4 miles south of Grafton on 119/250. As well as the International Mother's Day Shrine, which is also Taylor County's visitor's bureau, is located at 11 East Main Street in Grafton.

Whether you want to enjoy the lighthearted fun of the Memorial Day Celebration, or you want to come to remember those who fought in wars on behalf of all of us, Grafton has a weekend activity for everyone. Come enjoy the Memorial Day celebration in our country's own "Memorial City".

For specific times and events for all the Memorial Day Celebration activates contact:
The Visitor's Bureau: Cindi Mason can be contacted at: 304-265-1589 or 304-265-3950
The City of Grafton at: 304-265-1412
Or visit Grafton's website at: http://www.graftonwv.org/