MONROE — Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the lives of those who have sacrificed so much to defend the United States and our freedom. 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 our country.

The day will begin bright and early at 6 a.m. on Monday, May 26 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 the graves of our deceased 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, Laverne Robieson, will begin the ceremony with opening remarks, followed by the invocation by VFW Chaplain Sam Zeitler and the performing of the National Anthem by the Monroe High School Band. 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 the guest speaker, Mike Furgal, 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, Laverne Robieson.

Monroe area citizens are invited to attend a noon potluck following the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Zilmer-Riley American Legion Post #84, 1627 12th Avenue, Monroe.

Juda Memorial Day Program

The Juda and Community Memorial Day Program will be held on Monday, May 26 at the Mt. Vernon Cemetery located north of Juda on County S beginning at 10:30 a.m. The program will include the reading of the Roll of Honor along with a special tribute to Robert Severson Sr. which will be presented by his family. In case of rain the program will be held at the Juda School located on Spring Street.

Greens Prairie Cemetery Association Memorial Day

Memorial Day at Green’s Prairie Cemetery The Green’s Prairie Cemetery Association will hold its annual Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 26 at 1 p.m. The ceremony will honor the veterans interred there from the Black Hawk War, the War of 1812 and the Civil War and will include a presentation on a local resident’s ties to the cemetery. Green’s Prairie Cemetery is located in the Town of York on Postville Road between county highways A and H. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at the Town of York Hall, also on Postville Road. Chairs are recommended as there is no seating at the cemetery.