Historic Photos

Photo of the Week, 68: Memorial Day 1947

May 22nd, 2014

Although less than two years after the end of World War II, Memorial Day 1947 was a rather subdued affair in Bloomington, perhaps owing to the still-lingering exhaustion of the all-out effort to defeat Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, as well as the interest among many veterans to leave the martial life behind in favor of one considerably more civilian and familial in outlook! Seen above is the parade heading south along the 200 and 300 blocks of South Main Street (this view looks much different today due to the Law and Justice Center now bisecting Main Street). This photograph shows an American Legion honor guard standing near the graves of World War I veterans during services at Park Hill Cemetery on the city's west side.

Bill Kemp

Librarian

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