For a lot of us, Memorial Day is a time for hot dogs and cookouts and expectations of the upcoming summer.
For those of us with loved ones in the military, it often holds a different sentiment.
Memorial Day a time to honor the men and women who died to serve this country so that we can know the freedoms we have today.
Originally known as Declaration Day, Memorial Day actually began in the years following the Civil War and was recognized as a federal holiday in 1971, according to history.com.
All of us at News Talk 103.7FM extend a sincere appreciation and gratitude for our troops, soldiers, veterans and all who served this country with honor and valor and gave the ultimate sacrifice for us.
We hope you enjoy the holiday with friends and family this weekend and take a few moments to remember and honor the brave men and women who served the United States of America.
Some of the Memorial Day celebrations near you include:
Monday, May 31
The Memorial Day Parade in downtown Chambersburg will begin at 8:45 a.m. The parade route starts at 5th and Lincoln Way East and will end at Memorial Square.
The Combined Veterans Council of Waynesboro is holding a Memorial Day parade at 9 a.m., starting by the Waynesboro VFW Post 695 at 346 W. Main St. and heading to Memorial Park, where there will be a ceremony. The ceremony is expected to begin by around 10:15 a.m. The guest speaker is Lt. Col. Gavin Luher with the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa. The ceremony also includes a roll call of local veterans who died during the past year, the missing man table and a reading of late Waynesboro American Legion Commander Samuel L. Shrader’s poem, “Thoughts From the Wall.”
The Greencastle VFW is holding a ceremony at 11 a.m. at the Cedar Hill Cemetery, 37 S. Carlisle St. in Greencastle. Keynote speaker is Col. Keith D. Hochman from the U.S. Army War College. There be no parade and due to COVID-19, there will be no lunch following the ceremony. Masks and 6-foot distancing will be in place. If it rains, the ceremony will be canceled.
Shippensburg will hold their annual Memorial Day Ceremonies and Parade beginning at 10am at Locust Grove Cemetery, followed by services at Spring Hill Cemetery at 11:15am and flag-raising ceremony at Shippensburg Veterans Memorial Park at 12pm. At 1:15pm the Navy & Marine Memorial Services will be conducted at Branch Bridge on King Street. The parade will begin at 2pm from the corner of King and Prince Streets. Inclement Weather: Each unit returns to the post involved for refreshments and a time of fellowship.
The American Legion Post 517 of Mercersburg will hold a Memorial Day Parade and Services beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Martinsburg (W.Va.) VFW Post 896 is holding a Memorial Day service at 11 a.m. at the big pavilion in War Memorial Park. After the brief ceremony, light refreshments will be served at the VFW post at 241 N. Queen St.
To pay tribute to the veterans of Berkeley County, the Martinsburg Rotary will hold its annual Memorial Day pancake breakfast from 8-10:30 a.m. Monday at the main pavilion at War Memorial Park. Proceeds will benefit charitable organizations.
CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. — A Memorial Day Service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Edge Hill Cemetery.
Cumberland Valley School of Music Memorial Day Concert on Monday, May 31 at 7:30 p.m. at the Kiwanis Band Shell at Memorial Park. Rain Contingency Plan: Thomas Alumnae Chapel at Wilson College. Free admission. Patriotic music by CVSM faculty and staff.
