Area communities are planning a variety of Memorial Day observances Monday, May 31.
In Decorah, a parade will begin at the College Drive bridge beginning at 10 a.m.
Following a memorial service at the bridge, the parade will continue down College Drive to Water St., before proceeding to the courthouse by way of State and Main streets.
This year's parade grand marshal is Norb Tierney of Decorah. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II from 1943 to 1946. He participated in the battle for Okinawa as a rifleman with the 4th Marine Division.
Immediately following the parade, Memorial Day ceremonies will continue, with respects being paid to the deceased veterans of Winneshiek County who have passed away since last Memorial Day.
The speaker this year is Decorah attorney Jim Burns.
Burns served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force with the Judge Advocate Corps. his father, Wayne Burns, was the superintendent of schools in Decorah for many years and served in World War II, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves.
Following Burns' address, all veterans present will be called to the courthouse steps while their individual service anthems are played.
A flyover by the Iowa Air National Guard has been arranged by Bill Irwin and should arrive at approximately 11 a.m.
All veterans who are able are encouraged to meet on 5th Ave. near the College Drive bridge at 9:30 to march in the parade. For those unable to march, a ride in a flatbed trailer will be provided by Decorah Auto Center.
The Calmar Memorial Day service will begin at 10 a.m. in the South Winneshiek gymnasium.
The ceremony will include a drum roll; Advancement of Colors by the American Legion, Legion Auxiliary and veterans; the national anthem; Pledge of Allegiance by Emily Hoffert, Halverson-Giesen No. 266 president; and invocation by Pastor Norm Bauer.
Following taps, Post Commander Randal Poshusta of Halverson-Giesen Post No. 266 will initiate 30 seconds of silence in honor of the dead. Chris Bullerman, 2009 Boys State, and Poshusta will conduct additional readings.
Music by the South Winn High School Band, with Kenn Kirby directing, will include "Indomitable Spirit" written by Kenn Kirby.
The Memorial Day Address will be given by Tom Hannasch and Benediction by Pastor Norm Bauer.
Following the program, refreshments will be served by American Legion Auxiliary No. 266 at the Calmar Senior Center.
Cemetery flags will be placed Saturday, May 29, weather permitting, and the Avenue of Flags will be displayed Monday, May 31, at 7 a.m. in the town square. Area veterans and buglers leave Calmar Town Square at 7:15 a.m.
In Spillville, Memorial Day Services will be conducted by Clarence Bily Post No. 467.
There will be an 8:30 a.m. Mass at St. Wenceslaus followed by services at the cemetery. there will be a 10:30 a.m. service at Ridgeway United Lutheran Cemetery (northwest of Ridgeway). A fish fry, hosted by American Legion Post NO. 279, will follow.
The Ossian Memorial Day celebration will begin in the early hours of the morning, with visits to local cemeteries.
The schedule is as follows: 7:45 a.m. - Bethany Lutheran; 8 a.m. - First Lutheran; 8:15 a.m. - Stavanger Lutheran; 8:30 a.m. - Silver Springs (honoring those lost at sea); 8:45 a.m. - Hillside Cemetery; 9 a.m. -Bloomfield; 9:15 a.m. - Castalia Veterans Memorial; 9:30 a.m. - Pleasant View; 9:45 a.m. - Centennial; and 10 a.m. - St. Francis De Sales Cemetery.
A final memorial salute will be held at the Veterans Memorial at Carey Park immediately following the memorial program. American Legion, Brockman-Hammersland Post No. 503 of Ossian, would appreciate the participation of the community in remembrance of the deceased members of the area who have served their country.
The parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Ossian City Park and travel past the Ossian Senior Hospice, down Main St. to the Ossian Post Office, then back to the Knights of Columbus Hall, where the program will begin at 11 a.m.
Any veteran wishing to march or ride in the parade should be at the Legion Hall at 10:15 a.m. All participation in this activity will be appreciated. People who ride horses in the parade should meet at the City Park at 10 a.m.
"Please remember to remove your hats and stand proud as the veterans and our country's colors pass by. please give your veterans a hand and join us at the De Sales Cemetery at 4 p.m. to help take down the memorial flags and poles. your help would be greatly appreciated," said event organizer Earl Meyer.
A Mass will take place at 7:30 a.m. at St. John's, Fort Atkinson, followed by an American Legion service in the town square at 8 a.m. at 8:15 a.m., there will be a parade with Legion and Auxiliary members and the Turkey Valley marching band. at 8:45 a.m., there will be military services at St. John's Cemetery, Oak Hill Cemetery, St. James Cemetery and Veteran's Memorial. Coffee and kolaches will be served at the Fort Atkinson Community Center following the program.
St. Luke's will host a mass at 8:15 a.m. followed by a Legion and Auxiliary march with the Turkey Valley marching band to the cemetery and downtown. there will be a breakfast following the march at the Community Center.
St. Mary's in Waucoma will hold Mass at 8:30 a.m. followed by Legion members' march and program at the Catholic cemetery with taps and music provided by the Turkey Valley marching band.
There will be a Mass at Holy Trinity in Protivin at 9 a.m. followed by services at the Bohemian Cemetery. A potluck dinner will follow at the Community Center.
At 9:30 a.m., Mass will take place at Mt. Carmel in Lawler, followed by a program and rolls and coffee at the Community Center. there will be services at the memorial site at 11 a.m.