Memorial Day service by VFW to be held after all at cemetery

It has been decided to have an abbreviated Memorial Day ceremony after all at Mount Hope Cemetery on Monday beginning at 10 a.m.
The ceremony will commemorate veterans who have died from all wars, emphasizing the VFW pledge to honor the dead by helping the living.
Smaller flags will be placed on more than 330 veteran grave sites Thursday evening in preparation for the Memorial Day ceremony.
Large flags within the cemetery will be flown at half-mast Monday morning.
There will not be a guest speaker or color guard at this year’s ceremony, said veteran Bud Statz.
Following opening comments and the divine blessing, a shortened ceremony will commence with the placement of five items at the tomb of the unknown soldier.
The first item is a wreath placed by the Senior Vice Commander as a symbol of remembrance in solemn tribute to all comrades wherever they may rest.
Secondly, the Junior Vice Commander will place white flowers at the tomb as a symbol of purity for future generations to emulate the unselfish courage of all men and women who fought for freedom.
Red flowers will next be placed by the Officer of the Day in memory of the heroic dead who have fallen in defense of the United States of America.
Blue flowers will then be placed by the President of Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary to immortalize the brave deeds of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who have given their lives on land, sea and in the air.
The blue color is an emblem of eternity, bespeaking life everlasting.
Lastly, the Commander will place a small American flag at the tomb as an emblem of the nation—the glorious republic for whose integrity our comrades enlisted and served.
The ceremony will close with a bugler playing “Taps” and firing of the rifles by the honor guard.
Note to attendees
Attendees are asked to park in view of the ceremony, which is located near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, but remain in their cars due to COVID-19 guidelines from the Governor’s office, Statz said.
A sound system will be provided so listeners can hear the ceremony.