American Legion’s Memorial Day Ceremony set for May 31
Coordinated by Madison American Legion, a Memorial Day ceremony will be held at Madison Veterans Park on Front Street on May 31 at 11 a.m. CONTRIBUTED
Bob Jones High School, Madison, Madison County Record, News, Schools, Z - News Main
 By  GreggParker Published 
10:34 pm Friday, May 14, 2021

American Legion’s Memorial Day Ceremony set for May 31

MADISON – Madison American Legion, Post 229 will conduct their annual Memorial Day Ceremony to honor individuals who died in military service.

On May 31, the event will open at 11 a.m. in Madison Veterans Park downtown at the intersection of Front and Church streets.

“Memorial Day weekend is an important time of reflection for all Americans to pause and honor and remember those that have given their lives in the service of our great nation,” Post 229 Auxiliary President Jean Downs said.

“Each year, Madison American Legion holds a ceremony to show our respect for our nation’s heroes. The public is encouraged to attend,” Downs said. “In 2020, we had a ceremony primarily (for) post and auxiliary members only due to COVID-19.”

“Many celebrate the long Memorial Day weekend with barbecues and family get-togethers, but Memorial Day is so much more than a chance to kick off the summer months,” Downs said. Memorial Day is a day intended to solemnly honor all men and women who have died in U.S. military service.

Post 229 Commander Col. Larry Vannoy encourages every resident of Madison to schedule time in their weekend plans and attend the ceremony. “It’s important for our children to learn the true meaning of Memorial Day and why we celebrate it. It’s more than a three-day weekend to kick off summer … it’s a time for honor and remembrance,” he said.

At the ceremony, Lt. Col. Stacey Harring, American Legion Adjutant, will offer opening remarks. The Air Force JROTC Color Guard from Bob Jones High School will present Posting of the Colors.

An AFJROTC Cadet from Bob Jones will sing “The National Anthem.” Legionnaire Andy Haq will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. The guest speaker from the military will be Lt. Gen. L. Neil Thurgood.

The program will continue with remarks from Madison Mayor Paul Finley. Steve Haraway, District 2 Madison County Commissioner, will speak, along with Alabama State Representatives Mike Ball and Mac McCutchen.

With an escort of Legionnaires, Haq then will post the wreath in memory of fallen men and women. American Legion Honor Guard will present “Taps” played on bugle and a rousing 21-gun salute.

Local musicians will perform selections for reflection and patriotic pride. In closing remarks, Vannoy will address the audience.

“Memorial Day began in 1868, a few years after the Civil War ended. An organization of Union veterans established the holiday, then known as Decoration Day, as a time to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers with flowers,” Vannoy said.

“The American Legion continues this tradition by placing flags at the graves of our veterans at City of Madison cemeteries each Memorial Day,” Vannoy said.

Also on The Madison Record
Space Command relocation to Huntsville to bring area growth
A: Main, Madison County Record, News, ...
Staff Reports 
September 10, 2025
HUNTSVILLE — Officials expect at least 1,400 jobs to be directly added to the north Alabama area with the U.S. Space Command Headquarters permanently ...
Newly elected Madison mayor to depart US Chess role
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Ranae Bartlett was named US Chess Executive Director in 2024
By JOHN HARTMANN US Chess Press 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - It is said that no one can serve two masters. And so US Chess Executive Director Ranae Bartlett is trading Caïssa for the people of Madison,...
Triana Fire Department train for medical helicopter operation
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
TRIANA – Firefighters who work in Triana Fire Department recently accomplished a new milestone in their training to serve and protect their town. On-s...
Itty Bitty Bakers sweetens the community with classes
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
By KADIE TAYLOR news@themadisonrecord.com 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - Sweeten your day, Itty Bitty Bakers offers baking classes for locals, from 18 months to adults. Itty Bitty Bakers owner Kayla Johnson has be...
Madison Visionary Partners to host Gather Madison, volunteers needed
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
EVENTS
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
MADISON – In its premiere in 2025, the Gather Madison event will unite residents of all backgrounds at one long table for a free, shared meal in the s...
Kids to Love to go “Over the Edge” for children in foster care Sept. 19-20
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
Staff Reports 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - Bold, compassionate individuals will be going “Over the Edge” for Kids to Love during a thrilling two-day fundraiser where participants rapp...
The Madison Street Festival is less than a month away
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
MADISON – The first Saturday in October. That’s the day Madison residents turn out to visit with friends and neighbors, promote school groups, shop fo...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *