5-23 memorial day
The upcoming weekend will offer all those across the United States an opportunity to remember and thank those who served in the armed forces throughout this country's history.
In the area, a number of Memorial Day programs will be held on Sunday and Monday, May 26 and 27.
The Memorial Day program for 2024 at St. Anne’s Cemetery at Dixon will be held, weather permitting, on Sunday, May 26 at 2:30 p.m. at the cemetery, located one-half mile east of the Dixon Post Office.
Those attending should plan on arriving by 2:15 p.m. so that the program may start on time and should bring lawn chairs.
The Laurel Veteran’s group will assist with the ceremony.
In case of significant rain or high winds at the time of the ceremony, the event will be moved to St. Anne’s parish hall.
In case of severe weather warnings, the event will be canceled.
The Concord-Dixon Cemetery Association will hold its annual Memorial Day Service on Sunday, May 26, at 3:15 PM, at the Concord Cemetery, Concord, at the top of the hill.
The Laurel Vets Post will provide the color guard. There will not be a separate church service this year.
In Carroll, the Memorial Day program will begin with a trip to Bethany Cemetery on Monday, May 27 at 9:30 a.m.
From there, the group will move to the Carroll City Auditorium for a program at 10 a.m.
This year's speaker will be Daryl Harrison, a member of the Thurston American Legion.
The program will conclude with activities at Elmwood Cemetery.
In Wayne, the Memorial Day program will begin at 10 a.m. at Veterans Park in Greenwood Cemetery. Members of the various service organizations will take part in the program.
Steve Elliott, former vice president of academic affairs at Wayne State College, will present this year's Memorial Day message.
Music will be provided by members of the Wayne High School band, along with several community members.
Flags on the graves of veterans buried at the cemetery will be put up beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 23 and volunteers are needed to assist with this.
The Laurel Memorial Day program will begin at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 27 at the Laurel Community Events Center. The invocation and prayer will be given by Pastor Chris Clinchard. Speakers for this year's event include several veterans.
Following the service in Laurel, attendees will travel to the Laurel Cemetery for the reading of the roll of deceased members.
A Memorial Day Dinner will be held at the Vet's Club from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
On Saturday, May 25, from 9 a.m. to noon, members of Roy Reed Post 252, The American Legion Family, will be out and about in Wayne with the annual Memorial Poppy Distribution Day. They will be at Bomgaars. Pac 'N' Save, Quality Foods and ACE Hardware & Home. Poppy displays will be set up at Kinship Pointe and Elkhorn Valley Bank in Wayne and Head to Tails Pet Grooming, Wayne County Bank, Wildcat Bar & Grill, Winside & Pilger Coop and Winside Store in Winside. Proceeds received from this program will be applied toward veterans and the Memorial Poppy programs of The American Legion Family. All area encouraged to "wear a Memorial Poppy all weekend to honor and remember."
On Monday, May 27, 2024 members of The American Legion Family, Roy Reed Post 252 in Winside will be observing Memorial Day in the traditional manner.
Legionnaires, Auxiliary Senior and Junior Auxiliary members, Sons of The American Legion members and the Winside Boys Scout Troop 179 will visit seven area cemeteries beginning at 7:15 a.m., returning to the Winside Auditorium for the program at 10:30 AM.
During this year's program, the 13 Folds of Old Glory will be demonstrated and explained.
Following the program, members and the public will go to Pleasant View Cemetery in Winside for dedication of the Memorial Poppy Wreath and the 21-gun volley in honor of Veterans who are laid to rest at Pleasant View.
The American Legion Auxiliary members will host their annual Memorial Day Dinner at the Legion Post following the program. Lunch is freewill donations and all are welcome to attend and spend time reminiscing. The dinner will begin at approximately 11 a.m. and run to 1:30 PM.
In Wakefield, the Memorial Day program will begin at 2 p.m. at the Wakefield Cemetery. In case of inclement weather, the program will be held at the Wakefield American Legion Hall.
Flags will be put up on Friday, May 24, beginning at 6 p.m. and will be picked up at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 27.
At press time, a speaker for this year's program has not been announced.
