MONROE — Each year Americans across the country, in communities large and small, take the time to remember the lives of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our nation and the preservation of freedom. We honor those who answered the nation’s call to duty and were willing to lay down their lives so that all Americans could live in relative peace and security. We continue this remembrance with a Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony conducted by the Zilmer-Riley American Legion Post 84 and the Cecil Jones Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2312 of Monroe.
The day will begin early at 6 a.m. on Monday, May 29, with members of the American Legion, VFW, local Boy Scout troops, and community members raising the Avenue of Flags at Greenwood Cemetery and Calvary Cemetery in Monroe. Following the raising of the Avenue of Flags, the graves of our deceased veterans will be decorated with miniature wreaths, which were assembled by our local Boy Scout troops from Monroe. The solemn task of decorating the graves of our deceased veterans dates back to a time after the Civil War and is performed whether rain or shine.
Led by a joint Color Guard from members of the American Legion and VFW, parade units will assemble at Recreation Park at 8:30 a.m. and will commence to Greenwood Cemetery at 9 a.m. Veterans from the community are encouraged to march in the parade wearing their military uniform or military attire and a decorated float wagon will be available for those unable to march.
Upon arrival at Greenwood Cemetery, parade units will take their positions around the center flagpole circle and the Memorial Day ceremony will begin at approximately 9:30 a.m. The Commander of the Zilmer-Riley American Legion Post 84, Janel Keizer, will begin the ceremony with opening remarks, followed by the invocation and the performing of the National Anthem by the Monroe High School Chamber Choir. Following the National Anthem, two students from the Monroe High School Band will deliver Logan’s Orders and the Gettysburg Address followed by the playing of “America the Beautiful”.
A Memorial Day address will then be delivered by Jim Glessner, Service Officer for the Zilmer-Riley American Legion Post No. 84. Wreaths will then be placed at the Veterans Memorial from troop leaders of the local Boy and Girl Scout troops, the American Legion Poppy Princess of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit No 84, a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post 84 and Zilmer-Riley American Legion Post 84 Auxiliary President, Donna Douglas, Zilmer-Riley American Legion Post 84 Commander, Janel Keizer and Cecil Jones Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2312 Commander, Andrew Suthers.
Zilmer-Riley American Legion Post 84 Service Officer, Jim Glessner, will then read the roll call of deceased veterans of Green County, followed by rifle fire from the Honor Guard and the playing of “Taps” by a member of the Monroe High School Band. The ceremony will end with the benediction and concluding remarks from the Commander of the Zilmer-Riley American Legion Post 84, Janel Keizer.
Monroe Area citizens are invited to participate in honoring the men and women who have served our country and those still fighting for our freedom. We must never forget those who have sacrificed so much to protect the freedoms that we all hold dear. A potluck will be held at the Zilmer-Riley American Legion Post 84 in Monroe at noon and the public is invited to attend.
