Communities plan for Memorial Day

Nauvoo features Col. Ray Young

Retired U.S. Army Colonel Ray A. Young of Nauvoo will be the speaker at a Memorial Day service at the Nauvoo City Park honoring those who have given their lives in service to our country.

The event, sponsored by the Nauvoo Inter-Faith Partner-ship, begins at noon on Monday, May 26, with a short parade from the corner of Knight and Robinson streets to the City Park.

In addition to remarks by Colonel Young, the service will include patriotic music by the Nauvoo Brass Band, a welcome by Mayor John McCarty, presentation of the flag by local Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, inspirational readings by Jim Moffitt of Nauvoo, special music by Lynn Strnad of Nauvoo, and a prayer and benediction led by local clergy. It will close with a 21-gun salute by area VFW and Legion members, and the playing of Taps.

Colonel Young served in the U.S. Army from 1945 to 1979. He was an army aviator whose service included two stints in Viet Nam, in 1964-65 as a helicopter pilot and again in 1968-69, first as an instructor pilot and then as aviation company comman-der. His many commend-ations and awards include the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Gold Palm, Bronze Stars, Air Medals, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, two Purple Heart awards, and the Legion of Merit. Originally from Idaho, Ray and his wife, Kay, moved to Nauvoo seven years ago.

Area military veterans are invited to ride in the parade on bleachers pulled on a trailer, and to remain seated in the bleachers for the service in the park. Veterans should go to the corner of Young and Robinson streets at 11:45 a.m. to participate in the parade.

Plymouth/ Augusta join for lunch

The Augusta VFW and Plymouth American Legion invite everyone to Memorial Day services Monday, May 26, at two locations:

. Plymouth American Legion Building, west side square at 10 a.m.

. Augusta Cemetery, W. Main St. at 11 a.m.

Sandy Bunnell, Living Faith United Methodist Church, is the speaker.

These events are sponsored by the Augusta VFW Club, Plymouth American Legion and Augusta VFW Auxiliary. The public is invited to participate in a potluck dinner following the 11 a.m. service at the Augusta VFW.

Hills Grove Cemetery

On Sunday, May 25, memorial services will be held at Hills Grove Cemetery. Worship begins at the church at 10:45 a.m. Then they adjourn to the cemetery between 11 and 11:15 a.m. for a roll call to be read of veterans buried there, followed by Rev. Long's sermon.

Thornber Cemetery service/meeting

Memorial Day serices will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, May 26, at Thornber Cemetery at Powellton with a speaker and the cemetery asociation annual meeting.

Warsaw service at Oakland Cemetery

Memorial Day services are at 10 a.m. Monday, May 26, at Oakland Cemetery in Warsaw. Pastor Larry Mulch is the speaker.

Moss Ridge service at 10 a.m. in Carthage

Hundreds of flowing casket flags of veterans make the backdrop for the Memorial Day service at Moss Ridge Cemetery in Carthage, starting at 10 a.m. Monday, May 26, according to VFW Commander Rick Welch.

Hamilton service is at Oakwood Cemetery

Hamilton residents can attend Memorial Day services at 10 a.m. Monday, May 26, at Oakwood Cemetery in Hamilton. It is organized by the Hamilton Ministerial Association.

LaHarpe plans service in the park

LaHarpe's Memorial Day service is at 10 a.m. Monday, May 26, at the Veterans Memorial in the City Park. Everyone is welcomed to attend.