By Isabella Zarate
Memorial Day is more than just a day off. While it is recognized as a perfect time to cookout and gather with friends and family, the day’s true purpose is to take some time to honor and reflect those who have sacrificed so much.
Memorial Day is the day which has been dedicated to mourning and recognizing fallen military personnel who passed while serving both the country and the people of the United States.
In a way to honor these men and women, a number of local services will be held.
Mahomet’s annual Memorial Day service will be held on Monday, May 30 at 11:00 a.m. This years’ service will take place at the Riverside Cemetery in Mahomet. The event is open to everyone, though attendees are advised to bring lawn chairs if possible.
Commemorating the service, Cornbelt Fire Protection District Fire Chief, John Koller, will be the guest speaker.
Mahomet American Legion Post 1015 will conduct a performance of the military rites at some point in the service.
Following the service, American Legion Post 1015 will invite the public to indulge in some cake and ice cream. This will take place at the Legion Post located at 412 East Main Street Mahomet.
Oakwood will also be honoring fallen soldiers this Memorial Day. On Friday, May 27th Oakwood’s American Legion Post #610 will be placing flags on Veterans’ grave sights starting at 6 p.m. Starting at the Oakwood Cemetery and moving through four other local cemeteries, Legion members and children involved in both Boy and Cub Scouts are expected to help with the flags.
The next day, on Saturday May 28h, American Legion Post #610 will be selling Poppies at the intersection of R150 and South Oakwood Street, across from the Fire Station and Casey’s General Store.
The flowers will be sold starting at 8:30 a.m and ending at 12:00 p.m. Majority of proceeds from the flower sales will go to supporting Veterans hospitalized at the VA Medical Center in Danville, IL. The other portion of proceeds are kept to replenish flags as well as support additional Veterans’ causes.
Then, on the evening of Tuesday, May 31st (the day after Memorial Day), the flags will be retrieved from the grave sights.
American Legion Post #610 would appreciate everyone’s support and donations as they seek to remember and honor the Veterans.
Similar to Mahomet and Oakwood, Homer will also be hosting a Memorial Day ceremony. The Homer American Legion will have a service taking place at the GAR Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Memorial Day.
Following the ceremony, guests are invited across the road to Village Hall for food provided by The American Legion Auxiliary.
It is unclear whether St. Joseph will be hosting a Memorial Day service or not, information has yet to be provided.
