American Legion plans for Memorial Day observances
MADISON – The month of May is an active time for Madison Legionnaires.
“The 2019 Memorial Day weekend is once again shaping up as a very busy one for members of the Madison American Legion, Post 229,” Post Commander Larry Vannoy said. “A number of activities are planned that will stretch from Saturday, May 18 until June 1 that will keep the post’s members occupied.”
On May 18, the post will conduct its annual observance of placing American flags on veterans’ graves in three cemeteries in the City of Madison. Several other veterans’ organizations, Scouting groups and Junior ROTC units will join the Legionnaires in this task.
“Members of the public are invited to participate” with the flags, Vannoy said. Volunteers will meet by 10 a.m. in the parking area, north of Madison Memory Gardens on Hughes Road. Volunteers will fan out through Madison Memory Gardens, Madison Cemetery (which is north of Mill Road and south of City Hall), Old Madison Cemetery (which is south of Mill Road) and Faith Memorial Park on Madison Boulevard.
Flag pickup will occur two weeks later on June 1. The legionnaires request volunteers to arrive by 10 a.m. at Madison Memory Gardens.
On May 25-26, Post 229 members and the Women’s Auxiliary affiliated with the post will greet the public for the annual Poppy Day. Legionnaires and auxiliary members will hand out poppies at Walmart locations at 8580 U.S. 72, 8650 Madison Blvd. and 7140 Wall Triana in Harvest, along with Kroger at 4579 Wall Triana.
The poppy is American Legion’s official flower to memorialize soldiers who fought and died during World War I.
On May 27 at 11 a.m., Post 229 will conduct its annual Memorial Day Ceremony, adjacent to the City of Madison Wall of Heroes memorial in Captain J. O. Wikle Veterans Park at the intersection of Front and Church streets in Madison.
State Rep. Mike Ball, who represents District 10, will speak. Local musicians will entertain with patriotic music.
For more information, visit Facebook/American Legion Post 229.
