Boalsburg in Centre County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

"Honors to the Fallen"

The Birthplace of Memorial Day

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., January 17, 2025

1. "Honors to the Fallen" Marker

Inscription.
This monument owes its existence to
the singular vision and persistent
efforts of
Col. James V. & Margaret C. Dearing

This Memorial Day monument commemorates
the birth of a national tradition of remembrance.

In October 1864, three local women;
Miss Emma Hunter, Miss Sophie Keller
& Mrs. Elizabeth Myers came and decorated
the graves of two local men who had died
in the service of their country during the
American Civil War. Dr. Reuben Hunter, Emma's
father, a surgeon of the 54th PVI died of typhoid
on 19 September 1864 at Annapolis, Md.
Pvt. Amos Myers, son of Elizabeth Myers, a member
of the 148th PVI, was killed on the 3rd of July, 1863 at
the Battle of Gettysburg.

Special thanks and appreciation to
State Representatives
Kerry A. Benninghoff • Lynn B. Herman
for their assistance with this monument

This monument was dedicated on Memorial Day
29 May 2000 A.D.

Lorann K. Jacobs, Sculptor
Michael J. Siggins, Architect
Alexander Concrete Construction
Narbor Brothers, Landscaping
Steve Ripka Excavating
Hite Lighting Lights
Miller Electric
Greene Custom Builders
Kohlhepp Stone Corporation
Centre Co. Institute of Science & Technology
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"To

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the three ladies who gave birth to Memorial Day here
in October 1864 and all women who have ever wanted for
soldiers to come home. This Memorial Day monument is
dedicated." It was made possible by the generous donations
of our friends and neighbors

[Donors not transcribed]

Sincere appreciation to many others not here listed who aided in the completion of this monument, "only the second monument dedicated to a national holiday in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania"

Erected 1990 by Col. James V. & Margaret C. Dearing and Others.

Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • War, US Civil • Women. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1864.

Location. 40° 46.701′ N, 77° 47.616′ W. Memorial is in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania, in Centre County. It is at the intersection of Church Street and Boal Avenue (Business U.S. 322), on the right when traveling south on Church Street. Marker and monument are in Boalsburg Cemetery, north of Zion Lutheran Church. Touch for map. Memorial is in this post office area: Boalsburg PA 16827, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

"Honors to the Fallen" Sponsors Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., January 17, 2025

2. "Honors to the Fallen" Sponsors Marker

this memorial is in the Pennsylvania Wilds.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Birthplace of Memorial Day (here, next to this marker); Boalsburg (a few steps from this marker); Armed Forces Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); 112th Infantry Regiment (approx. 0.2 miles away); 108th Field Artillery (approx. 0.2 miles away); 111th Infantry Regiment (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Birthplace of Memorial Day (approx. 0.2 miles away); Town Pump (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Boalsburg.

"Honors to the Fallen" Markers and Sculpture image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., January 17, 2025

3. "Honors to the Fallen" Markers and Sculpture

"Honors to the Fallen" Sculpture image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., January 17, 2025

4. "Honors to the Fallen" Sculpture

Birthplace of Memorial Day Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., January 17, 2025

5. Birthplace of Memorial Day Marker

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., January 17, 2025

6. "Honors to the Fallen" Sculpture

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., January 17, 2025

7. "Honors to the Fallen" Sculpture

"Honors to the Fallen" Sculpture Detail image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., January 17, 2025

8. "Honors to the Fallen" Sculpture Detail

Hunter headstone replica

Reuben Hunter Headstone image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., January 17, 2025

9. Reuben Hunter Headstone

In Boalsburg Cemetery near monument

Hunter Family Plot South of "Honors to the Fallen" Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., January 17, 2025

10. Hunter Family Plot South of "Honors to the Fallen" Monument

James V. Dearing Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., January 17, 2025

11. James V. Dearing Marker

In grateful recognition of
James V. Dearing
whose vision and tireless efforts made
this monument ["Honors to the Fallen"] a reality
Given by his many friends
November 11, 2005

Credits. This page was last revised on July 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 18, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 233 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on January 18, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 11. submitted on January 19, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.