Across the nation – and the world – members of The American Legion Family led Memorial Day observances.
For years, members of William E. Blair Post 95’s American Legion Family in Chattanooga, Tenn., have teamed with the city and the East Ridge Optimist Club to commemorate Memorial Day at City Hall.
That was the case again this year, but prior to that, representatives from Post 95’s Legion Family also carried their respective flags into the Memorial Day ceremony that took place earlier in the day at Chattanooga.
Post 95 Commander Freddie Parris Jr. said it’s important to remember U.S. servicemembers no longer living, and that the Legion plays a role in ensuring that.
“They’re not here, but they're all a part of our family,” Parris said. “We're all brothers and sisters, shoulder to shoulder. And it's our duty to remember them, their sacrifice and all, and to keep their legacy alive. We should not forget the price that they gave and stepping up for our country and putting their lives on the line for it. We’ve got to always keep their memory alive and their sacrifices.”
Memorial Day also provides an educational opportunity. “(It’s) trying to teach our youth – just like my grandkids and the kids that come in here – patriotism and paying respect to those that have went before us, and just honor and dignity and character and passing down to our youth what should be taught to them,” said Parris, adding that it’s also an opportunity to showcase The American Legion.
“It's exposure about what the American Legion does and what we're about,” he said. “We’re trying to promote the Legion as more of a family-friendly community activity where you grow up as part of the Legion and part of the community and have influence in the community and helping our veterans so they have a place to go to when they get out of the service, a place to bring their families to and to be around fellow compatriots.
“(Every year) we do a memorial service … And then afterwards, we open up our doors to the community. We have barbecue, potato salad, baked beans, the whole nine yards. And also, I've been pushing here a youth development program. We have games out here for them to play. Everybody brings their kids. It’s part of being involved in the community and being seen out here and being positive and interacting with the community.”
Sons of The American Legion Squadron 95 Commander Bob Vallone said commemorations like the Memorial Day ceremony are one of the reasons The American Legion Family exists. “No. 1, we’re here to honor our veterans. That's what we are,” he said. “We honor the ones that have passed to Post Everlasting. Because without them, we wouldn't be standing here today. They sacrificed their life for us. The least we can do is have a day to remember them.”
Nationwide, members of The American Legion Family either led or participated in Memorial Day observations to ensure the sacrifices made by U.S. servicemembers are not forgotten.
The following are just a few examples of those efforts. Legion Family members who were a part of similar efforts are urged to share their stories and photos at legiontown.org.
California
In Porterville, American Legion Post 20 led the Memorial Day ceremony at Hillcrest Cemetery. Post 20 Commander Robert Lassotovitch provided opening remarks, while the post’s color guard raised the flag.
The day also included live music, the laying of the Memorial Cross by leadership from American Legion Auxiliary Unit 20, and remarks from Veteran's Homecoming Queen and Miss Porterville Gianna Rohrbach, who represents Post 20.
Post 20 Chaplain Eddie Roscoe gave the invocation, saying, "Surrounded by these graves and American flags, it is easy to recognize the patriotism we have for our country. Yet, it is crucial that we live each day with gratitude, for the freedom we have as American citizens. These freedoms were not free. Memorial Day reminds us these sacrifices gave us freedom, equality, justice, and unity. And we recognize the heroic men and women who have served and protected our country, we must continue to uphold the respect, honor, and patriotism we hold for it.”
During his remarks, Lassotovitch referenced the heroic actions of fallen U.S. servicemembers from the Revolutionary War to Operation Iraqi Freedom. “We take this day to reflect on ordinary Americans, exhibiting extraordinary values. Valor,” he said. “In honor of this legacy, we should all commit to the freedom offered by the greatest nation on earth. a land where patriotism eclipses politics, where the American flag is displayed proudly and frequently, and where military veterans are the society's true celebrities.”
Georgia
In Covington, American Legion Post 32 was packed for its annual Memorial Day ceremony; typically outdoors, the event was moved inside because of a threat of rain.
Post 32 Commander Bobby Hamby opened the ceremony by reminding attendees of the purpose of Memorial Day. “I’m here to tell you that Memorial Day is not a happy day,” he said. “It’s a day set aside to remember the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom, of our nation and our flag.”
Toward the end of the ceremony, 83 names were read aloud ofthose who lost their lives in the front lines of combat.
Illinois
· In Metropolis, members of American Legion Post 306 placed 3,000 flags on veterans’ gravesites in cemeteries across Massac County. “It’s probably the most important holiday we have because there are so many people who serve this country that are no longer here,” Post 306 Junior Vice Commander Jeff Crippen said. “It’s affected generation after generation, all the way from the Revolutionary War to the current wars that are going on. It’s very important for us to honor the people who serve and very important to their families. It’s the least we can do.”
· In Tremont, American Legion Post 1236 hosted its annual Memorial Day at the Veterans Memorial in Tremont Park. Members of the post read the names of those who lost their lives and the Tazewell County Military Rights Team gave them a rifle salute. Following the ceremony, Post 1236 hosted the public for lunch.
· In La Grange, Major Robert Coulter Jr. Post 1941 hosted its annual service, which drew a standing-room only crowd and included members of Coulter’s family placing a memorial wreath. Coulter commanded a B-17 bombing group during World War II and lost his life in a crash after an enemy plane sheared off the wing of his plane, causing it to crash in North Africa. “More than 1.1 million American patriots have died defending our country in wars and combat actions since the American Revolution,” Post 1941 Commander Bill Kiddon said during his remarks. “They each have stories to tell; the graves at Arlington, the crosses at Normandy, the fallen heroes who rest in places unknown. We do not forget. We are here today for the 2,300 service members who lost their lives in the attack at Pearl Harbor 85 years ago. We are here for the 450,000 who didn’t return from the South Pacific and European campaigns in World War II.”
Iowa
· In Newton, the city’s annual Memorial Day Service was conducted by American Legion Post 111 in the veteran’s section of Union Cemetery. The names of 66 Jasper County veterans who have died since Memorial Day 2025 were read during the service, and there was a small American flag at each veteran’s grave in the cemetery. Ahead of Memorial Day, members of Post 111 place such flags at Union Cemetery and at the graves of veterans at six other cemeteries in Jasper County. “The big thing is we honor them but don’t forget them,” Post 111 Commander Jerry Gordon said. “Too often, society wants to just move on and forget things. We learn from our history, and for these folks it’s not just history, it’s their lives. It is very important to honor and remember those folks. Hopefully, the upcoming generations will continue to do so.”
· In Hamilton County, American Legion posts conducted multiple Memorial Day observances. American Legion Post 191 conducted ceremonies at the Cass Cemetery, the Marshall Crippen Memorial Bridge and at Graceland Cemetery. Williams Legion Post 633 organized events at two Williams cemeteries and the Blairsburg Cemetery. And in Webster City, Post 191 also organized the Memorial Day parade, which included the post’s color guard, Webster City High School band, the Scouts and others. The parade ended at Graceland Cemetery, where a Post 191-led service took place. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 191 member Jenny Manning read the names of those who had passed away during the past year.
· In Lone Tree, American Legion Post 457 conducted its annual Memorial Day service, which included the introduction of each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, live music, a guest speaker and a rifle salute.
Japan
In Okinawa, American Legion Post OK28 conducted a Memorial Day ceremony at Private 1st Class Isami Miyasato’s grave on May 24. Miyasato was killed in action at Caiazzo, Italy, during the Salerno to Cassino Campaign on Oct. 18, 1943. He was awarded multiple commendations and was interred in Okinawa.
Kansas
In Topeka, Post 400’s annual Memorial Day ceremony included a wreath laying, a POW-MIA ceremony, a rifle salute and remarks from Eric Rohleder, deputy director of the Kansas Office of Veterans Services. After his remarks, he took a few questions and later provided brochures and business cards and contact information for representatives of the office.
Kentucky
· In Elizabethtown, veterans, retired military, and families of veterans gathered at Post 113 for a Memorial Day ceremony hosted by the post and the city. The event included remarks from U.S. Army Col. and Post 113 member Jason Seery. “The true way to honor the fallen is to live in a way worthy of their sacrifice,” he said. “This means strengthening our communities, helping our fellow veterans, supporting military families and teaching the next generation what the state truly means. We must tell their story. We must speak their names. We must ensure that our children and our grandchildren understand that the freedoms they inherit were paid for with courage, service and sacrifice.”
· In Mayfield, American Legion Post 26 held its annual Memorial Day service Monday in Harmon Park, bringing in members of the community to witness a 21-gun salute, a wreath-laying ceremony, and the performance of the national anthem and Taps. U.S. Army veteran Wayne Kernodle was the guest speaker and referenced a comment from Post 26 Commander during his remarks. “Joe Kimbel said that for every hot dog, every hamburger, every trip to the lake, there's a debt that's owed to those that came before,” Kernodle said. “We have to remember that freedom comes at a cost, and as Americans, we’ve always had people that were willing to stand up and pay that cost.”
Michigan
In Hancock, American Legion Post 186 conducted a Memorial Day ceremony at Lakeside Cemetery that included a 21-gun salute and the playing of Taps. More than 1,000 flags were placed at the graves of those who served by a post member.
“Remembering those who gave it all, that’s the biggest thing, some of us get to celebrate this because those who gave their lives in the service of our country, we have the freedoms we have,” American Legion Post 186 Public Affairs Officer Jim Peterson said.
Minnesota
In LeRoy, American Legion Post 161 held three Memorial Day events. The first took place at the Veterans Memorial on Main Street and featured the color guard, Taps, prayers and a rifle salute. Members of the Post then traveled to the Shooting Star Trailhead Bridge for a lowering of a wreath into the Upper Iowa River before finishing up at LeRoy Cemetery.
Missouri
In Excelsior Springs, American Legion Post 236 hosted a Memorial Day ceremony at Memorial Park on the grounds of the Clay Ray Veterans Club. The ceremony included a keynote address by retired U.S. Air Force veteran Jess A. Siegel, whose service included deployments to Qatar, Baghdad, Afghanistan and Turkey.
“Memorial Day is often celebrated with barbecue and the start of summer,” Siegel said. “There’s nothing wrong with that. Those are the joys of our free society. But for us today, let this be a space where we recognize that our freedom is not free.”
Following Siegel’s remarks, representatives from multiple branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as American Legion Auxiliary Unit 236, laid wreaths.
New Jersey
· In Hackettstown, Blue Ridge Post 164 organized the 158th Annual Memorial Day Parade, which was followed by a ceremony at Union Cemetery. Hackettstown Mayor Jerry DiMaio marched in the parade and delivered remarks at the graveside service. "We stand here because generations of Americans stood guard for us," DiMaio said. "They left their homes, their families, and their futures so that ours could continue. Some served in distant lands, others close to home, but all carried the same belief — that liberty is worth defending, and that our nation is worth protecting."
· In Bridgewater, Gerald Abrego Post 327 held its annual Memorial Day parade down Old York Road in Bradley Gardens Monday, with veterans, Scouts, the Bridgewater-Raritan High School marching band and more participating.
· In Spotswood, American Legion Post 253 sponsored the annual Memorial Day parade that featured U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Melvin Meszaros as the grand marshal. Meszaros served in the Marine Corps from 1960 to 1964 and is a life member of American Legion Post 324 in Edison. The parade also included local organizations, Scouts, area youth, fire trucks, a marching band and floats. Following the parade, area residents were invited to Post 253 for light refreshments.
New York
In Halfmoon, Mohawk Post 1450 hosted a Memorial Day ceremony and also placed American flags at veterans’ gravesites across local cemeteries ahead of the holiday weekend.
North Carolina
In Durham, American Legion Post 7 hosted a Memorial Day ceremony that included a presentation by U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Bradley Maxon that honored the fallen. Post 7 historian Elton Corbett also presented his military uniform collection. The event also included music and food.
Ohio
In Bluffton, American Legion Post 382 coordinated the Bluffton Memorial Day Parade, which featured music from the Bluffton High School Marching Band, a jet flyover, Post 382’s color guard, Scouts and first responders. The parade end with a ceremony at Maple Grove Cemetery at the American Legion Monument. During the ceremony, Legion Chaplain Gary Dipnarine read out the names of local veterans who passed away since Memorial Day 2025, as a bell was rung.
The monument was decorated with American flags, and a wooden cross with dog tags, helmet, boots and a folded American flag with the words “Freedom Isn’t Free.” An empty chair draped with the POW-MIA flag also held a place of honor.
Ahead of Memorial Day, Post 382 members decorated the graves of 875 veterans in Richland County cemeteries, including 510 in Maple Grove Cemetery.
Pennsylvania
· In Grampian at the Penn Bloom Volunteer Fire Company Hall, the annual Edward Arthur Rafferty American Legion Auxiliary Unit 632-sponsored Memorial Day ceremony took place. The day included a patriotic concert, picnic lunch and a Memorial Honor Roll ceremony performed by the Post 632’s honor guard and assisted by the American Legion Auxiliary members. Earlier in the morning, the honor guard conducted military memorial services at multiple cemeteries.
· In Tyrone, the annual Memorial Day parade ended at American Legion Post 281 and was followed by a ceremony at Soldiers Park. “In towns like ours, Memorial Day is personal,” Post 281 Commander Ed Krider said during the ceremony. “The names on our monuments and in our cemeteries are not strangers. They are neighbors, classmates, friends and family members. They worked these streets, sat in churches and attended these schools and dreamed of futures they never had the chance to fully live.”
· In Clinton County, American Legion Remembrance Post 442 of Renovo teamed with the Bucktail Detachment 865 Marine Corps League for military services at local cemeteries and monuments throughout the western part of the county. Each service included a prayer, the placing of flowers, honoring those buried there, a rifle volley and the playing of Taps.
South Dakota
In Spearfish, American Legion Post 164 organized a Memorial Day ceremony at the Rose Hill Cemetery and Spearfish Monument Memorial. Among the speakers was Post 164 member Doug Henwood, whose family has served in the U.S. military for more than 80 years.
Henwood said that his family and relatives have served in the armed forces for more than 80 years. “What we are here to do is honor those who have gone on. They gave the ultimate sacrifice,” said Henwood.
South Korea
In Seoul, Col. Lewis L. Millet Post 38's annual Memorial Day ceremony at Yanghwajin Cemetery, included members of Pfc. Paul E. Finn Memorial Post 37 and its Auxiliary Unit, as well as Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9985. The group placed a U.S. flag on each grave of the U.S. veterans; the name of each veteran was read aloud.
Texas
In Temple, members of American Legion Post 133 honored 11 Legionnaires who had died in the past year. The post’s ceremony included the reading of each name, along with the ringing of a bell. The names were placed on Post 133’s Post Everlasting Wall.
Post 133’s ceremony also recognized all other servicemembers and included a speech from Army veteran and former state representative Hugh Shine before attendees were served a free meal.
The event also recognized two Eagle Scouts, William and Ben Holle, at the beginning of the ceremony. Members of Scout Troop 101 assisted with the event and later in the day conducted a flag retirement ceremony.
Utah
In Orangeville, American Legion Post 39 hosted its ceremony at Orangeville Cemetery. The event included remarks from Post 39 Commander Don Gardner, a rifle volley and the playing of Taps. Post 39 conducted a similar ceremony at Castle Dale Cemetery.
West Virginia
In Wheeling, American Legion Post 1 hosted its Memorial Day service, which was attended by dozens of members of the community. Post Commander Thomas Abell served as master of ceremonies for the event, which included the POW-MIA ceremony, the military child’s ceremony, the reciting of “In Flanders Field” and music.
The guest speaker was Wheeling resident Jim Temple, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel. “On this Memorial Day we gather not for celebration alone but for remembrance,” he said. “We gather as Americans, as families, as veterans and as citizens who understand that freedom has never been free. It has always been purchased at a cost far greater than most people will ever comprehend. Today we honor the men and women who never came home. Some were barely older than teenagers. They did not serve for recognition. Most did not ask for praise. They served because they believed there were things bigger than themselves: duty, honor, family, country and the promise of America itself.”
Wisconsin
In Lodi, the Memorial Day service at Garden Bluff Cemetery was organized by American Legion Post 503 in Dane and Post 216 in Lodi.
"From the frozen, desperate winters of the Revolutionary War to the modern, complex, conflicts in the Middle East, everyday Americans answered the call of duty," said retired Wisconsin Air National Guard Colonel Chad Milne, the ceremony’s featured speaker. “They were ordinary people, but they did extraordinary things. They did this because they believed in something greater than themselves--a nation built on liberty, justice, and the fundamental right to live without the fear of oppression.”
- Memorial Day