MONROE — Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the lives of those who have sacrificed so much to defend the United States and its freedoms. The Zilmer-Riley American Legion Post #84 and the Cecil Jones Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2312 invites the entire community to join them as they honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for the country. 

The day will begin bright and early at 6 a.m. on Monday, May 27, at the center flagpole of Greenwood Cemetery in Monroe, where they will raise the Avenue of Flags leading into the cemetery. Following the raising of the Avenue of Flags, they will assemble at the center flagpole at 7 a.m. to give brief instructions before decorating all the graves of deceased area veterans. This solemn task dates back to a time following the Civil War and is performed 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 commence to Greenwood Cemetery at 9 a.m. All veterans in the community are invited to march in the parade and a parade wagon will be available for those unable to march.

Upon arrival at Greenwood Cemetery, parade units will take their places around the center flagpole and the Memorial Day Ceremony will begin at 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 Band and Chamber Choir. Two students from the band will then read Logan’s Orders and the Gettysburg Address, followed by the playing of America the Beautiful by the band.

A Memorial Day address will be delivered by guest speaker Peter Kelly, followed by the placing of wreaths at the Veterans Memorial by the leaders of all supporting organizations. The Service Officer of the Zilmer-Riley American Legion Post #84, Jim Glessner, will then read the roll call of deceased veterans from Green County, followed by rifle fire from members of 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 attend a bench dedication ceremony and potluck following the Memorial Day Ceremony at noon at the Zilmer-Riley American Legion Post #84, 1627 12th Avenue, Monroe.