Julia Pierpont Day 2024 (US): History, FAQs, Dates, and Activities

Julia Pierpont Day 2024 honors her contributions to the establishment of Memorial Day, honoring those who lost their lives in the US armed forces.

Source: Every Day Is Special

Julia Pierpont Day 2024 (US): Julia Augusta Robertson Pierpont’s contributions to the establishment of “Decoration Day,” which was subsequently renamed “Memorial Day” and observed on May 30, are commemorated annually on May 28 as Julia Pierpont Day. Memorial Day is commemorated to pay tribute to the men and women who lost their lives while serving in the United States armed forces.

In 1865, Julia Pierpont, the wife of Francis Pierpont, the governor of restored West Virginia, initiated all of this following the conclusion of the Civil War. Pierpont noticed that the graves of the soldiers seemed abandoned after the conflict. The husband and wife decorated the tombs of those who sacrificed their lives to serve humanity. West Virginia declared it an official holiday on a later date in 2005.

Julia Pierpont Day: History

Julia Pierpont resided in Dryden, New York. She was an educated activist and an optimist who vehemently opposed the relocation to a slave state. Julia was married to Francis Pierpont, who was elected governor of restored West Virginia following the Civil War. Julia remained steadfast in her support of her husband’s endeavors during the onset of the civil war.

When her husband had to go, she cared for children and sewed Union Soldier flags with neighboring women. She worked tirelessly to ensure the soldiers’ safety and comfort during the war.

Pierponts supported Lincoln and the Union Army during the Civil War. They were restricted to enemy-held Richmond, Virginia. Some of Pierpont’s former allies burned the library, as living in the enemy’s area always causes trouble. The Governor’s amnesty of all army confederates strained relations with Unionists.

Julia noticed the deceased’s graves were neglected throughout this unfortunate situation. Julia and Miss Woolsey, who taught in African American schools in 1866, decorated Hollywood Cemetery’s soldiers’ graves in Richmond, West Virginia. Julia, Miss Woolsey, her students, and many other students helped clean and decorate the graves with flowers at the cemetery.

The team completed the task in 10 days, despite finding it unpleasant and exhausting. They built a fence around the new Union cemetery. On May 1, 1865, 10,000 people, mostly black, gathered at the cemetery to listen to sermons and chant in honor of the fallen troops.

People praised and criticized Julia’s behavior. Thousands decorated Confederate veteran graves as Richmond celebrated ‘Decoration Day’ on May 30. Congress officially made Memorial Day, or Decoration Day, a holiday after early and local commemorations.

The list of honorees now includes all World War I military deaths. In 1987, the West Virginia University Public History Program, Historic Preservation Unit, and Center for Women’s Studies named Julia Pierpont the founder of “Memorial Day” festivities.

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Julia Pierpont Day 2024: FAQs

Memorial Day was designated as a federal holiday by whom?

In 1868, General John A. Logan, the Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.), declared May 30 to be Decoration Day in recognition of Pierpont’s actions.

What was the date of Julia Pierpont’s passing?

Julia Augusta Robertson Pierpont passed away on March 25, 1886. In addition to her spouse, she is interred in Fairmont’s Woodlawn Cemetery.

What distinguishes Memorial Day from Veteran’s Day?

Memorial Day is a day that commemorates the lives of individuals who have lost their lives while serving in their country’s military, particularly those who perished as a result of war injuries or in battle. In other words, Memorial Day is a day that commemorates the utmost sacrifice made by veterans for their country. We commemorate and honor all individuals who have served in the military or civilian sector, regardless of whether they were killed or survived, on Veterans Day. People consistently observe Veterans Day on November 11, regardless of the day of the week.

Julia Pierpont Day 2024: Activities

Express gratitude to a veteran.

Veterans are individuals who have served in the military for an extended period and have witnessed numerous conflicts. On this day, individuals have the opportunity to convey their appreciation to at least one veteran for their contributions in protecting them from their adversaries.

Visit the cemeteries and memorials.

By visiting the graves of Julia Pierpont and other cemeteries, individuals can pay their respects to those who sacrificed their lives to protect others. Hold a prayer service at the graves to offer comfort to the deceased, as well as decorate and tidy them.

Julia Pierpont’s contributions should be acknowledged.

Julia Pierpont Day can be commemorated by perusing her biography and acknowledging her contributions. She was a genuinely remarkable human being due to her lifelong selflessness and generosity.