Observing Memorial Day 2026 in Woodbridge
Reflections on how local cemeteries help honor the past and connect present-day residents to our shared history
As Woodbridge residents observe Memorial Day today with an annual ceremony taking place this year in the Center Gym, at our local cemeteries American flags mark the graves of veterans and those who gave their lives in military service. Volunteers from veterans organizations, Scout troops, cemetery associations, and families continue a tradition once known as “Decoration Day” — visiting these graves to honor those who died while serving the country.
On this occasion two years ago, the Woodbridge Town Chronicle’s sister publication TownHistory.org published an essay exploring some of the stories behind the commemoration of local veterans at Eastside, Northwest, and Milfordside cemeteries, and the history of several young men from Woodbridge who died while serving their country.
The essay explores the meaning of cenotaphs — memorial markers honoring service members whose remains are buried elsewhere — and highlights the Eagle Scout cemetery documentation project completed some years back by Jason Luciani of Troop 907 (you can learn more about this year’s local Memorial Day flag planting and see photos in a recent post by Troop 907 on Facebook).
The 2024 Memorial Day essay also reflects on how our local cemeteries connect present-day residents to generations of Woodbridge families whose stories remain woven into the town’s history. For your holiday reading, you can access the full essay here: Observing Memorial Day in Woodbridge.
