(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - Ketchikan Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4352 and American Legion Post 3 will host ceremonies to honor the fallen on Memorial Day, May 27, 2019, as well as open houses for the community to meet local veterans and enjoy light refreshments. 

Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

The primary ceremony will be held at the Bay View Cemetery Mausoleum at 11 a.m. Guest speakers for the event include: Commander Ashley Holt, U.S.C.G. Base Ketchikan; Mayor David Landis, Ketchikan Gateway Borough; and Chere Klein of the offices of Senators Murkowski & Sullivan. There will also be a wreath laying by VFW and American Legion Auxiliaries, prayers by the Post Chaplains, and the playing of taps. 

“I hope to see many members of our community come together to honor the fallen and celebrate the quality of individuals who, facing the worst of humanity, risk their life for the benefit of others,” said Paul Robbins Jr., Commander of VFW Post 4352. 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

8:00-9:30 a.m.                         Pancake Breakfast American Legion Post 3 (631 Park Ave.)

10:00 a.m.                               March to City’s Center (629 Dock St., Parking Lot)

11:00 a.m.                               Assemble Bay View Cemetery Mausoleum  (1121 Stedman St.) 

11:30-1:00 p.m.                       American Legion Post 3 Open House (631 Park Ave.)

1:00-3:00 p.m.                         VFW Post 4352 Open House (3113 Tongass Ave.)

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day, and the holiday originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades.

Memorial Day remembers those veterans who died while in service to our country. Not to be confused with Veterans Day (originally known as Armistice Day) which is an official United States public holiday observed annually on November 11, for honoring all military veterans, that is, all persons who have served in the United States Armed Forces. 

Edited by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

 

 

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