Memorial Day programs

HOWARD COUNTY - American Legion and VFW chapters around the county are recognizing the fallen at gatherings at area cemeteries.

Local programs include:

Cresco — morning: This year, the VFW is in charge of the Memorial Day program. 

9 a.m. — Veterans, Auxiliary members, Boy and Girl Scouts and the Cretwood High School Band will march to the courthouse from Fareway.

9:05 a.m. — Memorial Day Program held at Courthouse lawn (In case of rain - VFW Hall on Hwy. 9).

Following program — Special services to be held at New Oregon Cemetery and then Vernon Bridge.

Refreshments to be served at VFW Hall.

Cresco — evening: 

7 p.m. — Reading of names of veterans lost over previous year at Freedom Rock

Elma: 

6:30 a.m. — Flag-raising in front of Memorial Hall/American Legion building at 6:30 a.m. 

Short programs at 8 a.m. — St. Patrick of St. Cecelia; 8:30 a.m. — Colonial Manor; 9 a.m. — Maple Leaf; 9:30 a.m. — Lourdes; 11 a.m. — Elma

12:30 p.m. (Approx.) — Elma Memorial Hall, Kelly Sullivan will give an adress.

Lime Springs: 

8:30 a.m. — Observance at Saetersdal Cemetery, rural Harmony (Readings, prayers, “Taps”)

9:30 a.m. — Observance at St. Matthew’s Cemetery, Granger (Readings, prayers, “Taps”)

10:30 a.m. — Program at Lime Springs Community Center (Readings, prayers, singing, “Taps”)

11 a.m.-1 p.m. — Lunch

Flags will be placed on the graves of veterans at Pleasant Hill.

Chester: At press time, no definitive plans were scheduled.

Protivin: 

9:30 a.m. — Services at Holy Trinity with Deacon Jim Zajicek. Military honors following at church cemetery

11 a.m. — Military honors following at East Cemetery.

11:30 a.m. — Potluck at Community Center

Riceville: 

8:30 a.m. — Legion members will leave the Riceville Community Center, with short programs held at the St. Peter’s Lutheran, Calvary Cemetery (approx. 8:48 a.m.), Saratoga Cemetery (9:08 a.m.) and Wayne Cemetery (9:34 a.m.). 

10:15 a.m. — Parade units leave Public Library for Riverside Cemetery. Program includes addresses, Riceville Community High School Marching Band and “Taps.”