Memorial Day ceremonies planned throughout county

Memorial Day, first observed more than 150 years ago and then known as Decoration Day, is a day Americans pause to remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

Weather permitting, the Coal City American Legion Post #141 will host its annual program on Sunday, May 25 beginning at 2 p.m. at the Lutheran Cemetery in Patricksburg.

Remembrance ceremonies will continue Monday, May 26 in Spencer, Gosport, at Hudson Hill Cemetery in northeast Montgomery Township and at the Chambersville Cemetery near the Owen-Monroe county line.

The Spencer American Legion Post #285, Spencer VFW Post #1405 and the Owen County Honor Guard will hold their annual events beginning at 10 a.m. at Chambersville Cemetery. The morning program will then move to the northwest lawn of the Owen County Courthouse, followed by the Owen County Veterans Memorial Bridge where an observance will be held honoring those lost at sea.

The ceremonies will conclude at the Soldiers Memorial Pavilion inside Riverside Cemetery. Matt Fletcher will serve as the guest speaker for the morning program on the courthouse lawn.

Food will be available at the VFW Post #1405, 78 E. Franklin St., at the conclusion of the morning programs in Spencer.

Elsewhere, the annual Memorial Day ceremony at Hudson Hill Cemetery will get underway at 10 a.m., followed at 11 a.m. by the annual Gosport VFW Post #7850 Memorial Day program at the Gosport Cemetery.

Auxiliary member Ashley Hobbs will serve as the featured speaker for the Gosport program. Owen Countians are encouraged to participate in one or more of these local Memorial Day ceremonies to honor those who have given their lives for our freedom.

By doing so, we help to preserve the legacy of those who served and reaffirm our commitment to supporting the families they left behind.