Memorial Day is one of the most solemn holidays on the calendar, and its meaning is integral to the very fabric of our nation. Instituted unofficially in 1868 (as Decoration Day) and officially made a day of remembrance in 1971, Memorial Day is set apart to honor those who throughout history, have paid the ultimate price for the freedoms which we enjoy. Walter Knoll Florist considers it both an honor and a privilege to assist you in showing your respects to those who have fallen.

What are the Most Popular Flowers on Memorial Day? Although any flowers within the patriotic color palette are appropriate, we love red roses and carnations, white daisies or lilies, and blue delphinium and iris.

Although many consider the day to be simply a day off from work and the kick-off to summer, there are many events happening around St. Louis that will remind you of the meaningful significance of the holiday.

• The Memorial Day Parade in Alton, Illinois, is truly a part of history. It is the oldest consecutive running Memorial Day parade in the nation, dating back to 1868. The parade begins each Memorial Day at 10 a.m. at the intersection of College and Washington Avenues.
• Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery is an impressive sight year-round, but especially so on Memorial Day. Each year, local boy scouts place small flags at each of the nearly 190,000 headstones on the cemetery grounds. There is also a special service at 10 a.m., in the cemetery chapel honoring all those who have served.
• The Compton Heights Concert Band has been performing free concerts  in St. Louis since 1976. The band’s summer season kicks off every year with a Memorial Day Concert in Tower Grove Park in south St. Louis. Everyone is invited to bring a blanket or lawn chair and gather round the bandstand at 3 p.m., for an afternoon of patriotic music.

Flowers can be given for many reasons on Memorial Day. If you choose to send a floral arrangement to the home of someone who lost a family member, choose a design that is less formal. Crosses, wreaths and urns should be reserved for the cemetery or memorial. And don’t forget, if you are hosting the Memorial Day party (or would like to bring a hostess gift) we also have many festive designs for the day.

Memorial Day is Monday, May 29. Call Walter Knoll Florist today to make sue you have all the honorary and celebratory flowers you need.