Memorial Day Services Planned In Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids, Ohio — The Village of Grand Rapids will honor the nation’s fallen heroes with a full day of Memorial Day ceremonies and community events Monday, bringing residents together to remember the men and women who gave their lives in military service.

The annual observance begins at 9 a.m. at Beaver Creek Cemetery with a ceremony featuring the Pledge to the Flag, a speaker, poppies, a firing squad salute, and TAPS. Another ceremony follows at 9:45 a.m. at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.

The centerpiece of the day will take place downtown at 10:30 a.m., where community members are expected to gather for Grand Rapids’ main Memorial Day program. Pastor Scott Hergert will deliver the invocation and benediction, while Mayor John Berry will welcome attendees. Commander Bob Clark will lead the Pledge to the Flag, and the Otsego High School Band will perform the National Anthem and additional musical selections throughout the ceremony.

Featured speaker Brett Green will address the crowd as organizers also recognize veterans from World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Global War on Terrorism, along with all veterans who have served the country.

Other portions of the downtown ceremony include a poem from Mary Jo Myers, the placement of poppies by Linda Donald, a firing squad presentation from Post #232 and SAL members, and TAPS performed by Jeff Thomas.

Following the downtown service, ceremonies will continue at 11:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Cemetery. The community is then invited to a potluck lunch at Post #232 at 12:30 p.m., with organizers encouraging attendees to bring a dish to share.

The day concludes with a 3 p.m. Memorial Day service at Weston Cemetery.

If rain forces changes to the schedule, the downtown program will instead be held indoors at Post #232 beginning at 10:30 a.m.

This report is part of the Stream 419 network, delivering local news, sports, radio, and media across Northwest Ohio. For more coverage, visit Stream419.com.