Rep. Camille F.J. Vella-Wilkinson (D-Dist. 21, Warwick), along with Frank J. Picozzi, mayor of the city of Warwick, will be hosting a ceremony at City Hall on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27.

“Memorial Day is a day to reflect upon the great sacrifices made by the men and women who served our country, ordinary people who rose to meet extraordinary challenges, bravely sacrificing their own safety for their nation,” said Vella-Wilkinson, a retired naval officer. “They — and their families — paid a tremendous toll, one that makes it possible for us to be here today.”

The event will take place on Monday, May 27, at 10 a.m. at the World War I monument in front of City Hall, 3275 Post Road in Apponaug. Veterans who attend are asked to wear a hat, shirt or jacket representing their branch of the service.

Memorial Day finds its origins on May 30, 1868. Originally called Decoration Day, it was set aside as a time to decorate the graves of Civil War veterans. The first observance was encouraged by Gen. John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union veterans. Since 1970, Memorial Day has been observed on the last Monday in May, which this year is May 30. By law, U.S. flags fly at half-staff until noon, when they are raised to full-staff.