Honoring the Fallen: Ridgewood’s 2026 Memorial Day Service at Van Neste Square
file photo by Boyd Loving
the staff f the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, As the unofficial start of summer approaches, communities across the nation are preparing for long weekend travel, backyard barbecues, and family gatherings. But at its core, Memorial Day remains a solemn, sacred time to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Here in Bergen County, residents will gather to keep that promise of remembrance alive.
On Monday, May 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM, the Ridgewood American Legion Post 53 will host its annual Memorial Day Service. Taking place in the heart of downtown Ridgewood at Memorial Park at Van Neste Square, this community-wide event serves as a poignant reminder of the cost of our freedom.
Event Details: What to Know Before You Go
The service is entirely open to the public. Local families, veterans, and visitors are strongly encouraged to attend to show their support and gratitude.
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Date: Monday, May 25, 2026
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Time: 11:00 AM sharp
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Location: Memorial Park at Van Neste Square (Downtown Ridgewood, NJ)
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Hosted By: American Legion Post 53
What to Expect: The annual ceremony will feature traditional military tributes, moving remarks from local guest speakers, and a collective moment of silence to honor fallen heroes from both the Ridgewood community and across the nation.
Beyond the Grill: 10 Surprising Facts About Memorial Day History
While you plan your local weekend itinerary, take a moment to dive into the rich, complex, and sometimes surprising history behind this federal holiday. Here are 10 facts you might not know about Memorial Day:
1. The Moving Origins of “Decoration Day”
Tracing its roots to the aftermath of the American Civil War, the holiday began as a local tribute called “Decoration Day,” where communities decorated the graves of fallen soldiers. Originally observed on May 30, Congress officially shifted it to the final Monday in May in 1971 to create a three-day weekend.
2. One of the Earliest Ceremonies Was Held by Freed Slaves
On May 1, 1865, a group of roughly 10,000 people—mostly newly freed Black Americans—paraded around a Charleston, South Carolina racetrack where Union prisoners had been buried. This profound act of remembrance predated the first official national commemoration at Arlington National Cemetery by three years.
3. Arlington Cemetery Was Built on Confederate Land
Established in 1864 during the Civil War, Arlington National Cemetery was intentionally built on a 639-acre plantation seized from the family of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Today, it is the final resting place for more than 400,000 veterans and hosts up to 27 funerals every weekday.
4. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Has Been Guarded for Decades
Dedicated on Armistice Day in 1921, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier serves as a powerful symbolic memorial for unidentified fallen service members. It has been guarded continuously, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, since 1937.
5. Honoring Heroes Beyond Our Borders
The American Battle Monuments Commission meticulously maintains 26 overseas military cemeteries across 16 countries. These sites honor more than 218,000 American war dead, with the majority located in France and Belgium, where heavy fighting occurred during both World Wars.
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| MEMORIAL DAY BY THE NUMBERS (2026) |
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| Estimated Holiday Travelers | Over 45 Million Americans |
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| Percentage Traveling by Car | Approximately 87% |
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| Arlington Cemetery Acreage | 639 Acres |
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| Overseas American Cemeteries | 26 Sites in 16 Countries |
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6. There is a Legally Mandated National Moment of Remembrance
At 3:00 PM local time on Memorial Day, Americans are asked to pause for exactly one minute of silence. President Bill Clinton first called for this National Moment of Remembrance in 1999, and Congress officially signed it into law in 2000, choosing 3:00 PM because it is when most Americans are enjoying holiday activities.
7. Over 45 Million Americans Take to the Roads and Skies
Memorial Day weekend is famously one of the busiest travel periods in the United States. In 2026, AAA estimated that more than 45 million Americans planned to travel over the long weekend, with 87% opting for a classic American road trip.
8. The Post-War Backyard Barbecue Boom
Our modern cookout culture truly exploded in the 1950s. Fueled by features in Life magazine, personal grills became staples of suburban backyards. By 1955, the barbecue industry had ballooned into a $100 million juggernaut, seamlessly blending holiday leisure with post-war consumerism.
9. George Washington Loved a Good Barbecue
Americans’ love for outdoor cooking actually goes back to the founding fathers. George Washington celebrated laying the cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol by hosting a massive public barbecue featuring a 500-pound ox. By the 19th century, politicians regularly used large public barbecues to draw crowds for holiday events and campaigns.
10. The Indy 500 and Memorial Day Have Been Linked Since 1911
The very first Indianapolis 500 was held on Decoration Day in 1911 because local farmers had finished their spring haying, ensuring a massive crowd. Aside from a few weather delays, the two World Wars, and the 2020 pandemic, the historic race has run on Memorial Day weekend ever since.
11. The Ridgewood Run
Since 1976, this spirited day of outdoor running events has celebrated health, wellness, family, and community. Held annually in the heart of Village of Ridgewood, The Ridgewood Run® is the perfect way to kick off summer.. The Ridgewood Run
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God bless our Military!