07/04/2026
We’ve had our eye on another Holyoke grave as our country moved toward America 250.
Joel and Eunice Day, parents of 11, are buried in Elmwood Cemetery. Joel and four of his sons (Joel Jr., Edward, Jedediah and Eli) enlisted as privates in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Edward was wounded and died in Troy, NY. A fifth son, Robert (age 13), died at Ft .Ticonderoga in a civilian effort to resupply the army. Eunice’s father, Joseph Day, also served as an officer in the army.
In 1922, the Eunice Day Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was formed and was active in Holyoke until the 1990’s. One can only imagine the ceremonies that took place at Eunice’s grave on Independence Day as the 20th century unfolded. We waited to see what would happen when America 250 arrived. Surely someone was planning something. Sadly, Elmwood was very quiet today. The marching bands were elsewhere.
The Holyoke Knights of Columbus left two American flags as a small gesture to honor the extraordinary sacrifice that the Day Family made at the altar of American freedom. Feel free to add the thanks of a grateful city.
