Memorial Day ceremonies will honor fallen veterans

MONTICELLO — On a day dedicated to honoring and mourning all U.S. military personnel who died while serving their country, Monticello will play host to a number of Memorial Day observances across the city.

These observances throughout the morning of Monday, May 27 are planned jointly by the Monticello American Legion Post 260 and Monticello Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8731.

Prior to the main Memorial Day ceremony at the Veterans Memorial at Monticello High School, Honor Guards from both the American Legion and VFW will be roving through the city conducting services.

These will start at 9:30 a.m., with the VFW Honor Guard stationed at Hillside Cemetery, located on the east side of Highway 25 at 7th Street, near Perkins Restaurant; while the American Legion Honor Guard will be at the Legion post’s memorial at 304 Elm St.

At 10 a.m., the Legion Honor Guard will then move on to St. Henry’s Catholic Cemetery, located at 3630 90th St. NE; while the VFW Honor Guard heads to Ellison Park on the Mississippi River, at 913 E. River St.

At 10:30 a.m., the Legion’s Honor Guard will be moving on to Riverside Cemetery, located on West River Street.

Veteran’s Memorial Plaza at Monticello High School, located at 5225 School Blvd., will again serve as the locale for the main Memorial Day ceremony.

This will kick off with both the Legion and VFW Honor Guards assembling at 11:15 a.m., followed by the sergeant at arms advancing the colors at 11:25 a.m.

The program is slated to begin at 11:30 a.m., presented by American Legion Post Commander Terry Sickels and VFW Post Commander Troy Segora.

Monticello Mayor Lloyd Hilgart will serve as this year’s guest speaker, while music will be provided by the Monticello High School Wind Ensemble.

As part of the ceremony, wreaths will be placed on the plaza by commanders Sickels and Segora. Both honor guards will fire a rifle salute, followed by Taps performed by Jerry Kosel.

Lunch and refreshments will be available for participants following the ceremony at the VFW, located at 713 Cedar St.

In case of inclement weather, the main program will take place in the high school auditorium.