MONROE — As we near the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence, we should all pause for a moment to reflect on the lives of those who 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 would like to invite 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 25, at the center flagpole of Greenwood Cemetery in Monroe, where volunteers from the community will raise the Avenue of Flags leading into the cemetery. Following the raising of the Avenue of Flags, volunteers will gather at the center flagpole at 7 a.m. to receive 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 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 and the performing of our 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, Paul Gregersen, followed by the placing of wreaths at the Veterans Monument 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 ceremony at the Zilmer-Riley American Legion Post #84, 1627 12th Avenue, Monroe.