Area residents will again have ample opportunities to attend Memorial Day programs in this area on Monday, May 29.

In Glenwood, the annual Memorial Day service is set to begin at 10 a.m. at Central Square Historic Auditorium.

Vietnam veteran and Pope County Commissioner Gordy Wagner will serve as Master of Ceremonies and another Vietnam-era veteran Jim Thoreen will be the keynote speaker.  

John Messenger will do a public reading of an essay written by local writer and Pope County Commissioner Paul Gremmels. Gremmels served in the Marine Corps.  

Sierra Morton will sing “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” accompanied by Sue Morton.  Sam Morton will play taps.

McKenzie Luetmer will perform musical selections of “Amazing Grace” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

A Color Guard parade by members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars will follow the program and there will be a free-will offering lunch at The Village in Glenwood following the parade.

Starbuck

The annual Starbuck Memorial Day program will begin at 10:30 a.m. at City Park.  The Rev. Mike Troen will give the keynote address.  Troen was an Army Reservist.  There will be a gun salute after the program.  

If inclement weather, the program will be moved to the Starbuck Community Center.

Villard

The annual Memorial Day program in Villard will take place at the Lake Amelia Cemetery on Monday, May 29.  The service starts at 10:30 a.m.  If inclement weather, the service will be at the Villard Methodist Church.

Grove Lake

All veterans are welcome to march with the color guard in the parade at Grove Lake on Sunday, May 28.  The parade begins at Grove Lake Chapel at 1 p.m.  The public is invited and children will place flowers on veterans’ graves.  The parade will proceed to the park for a short program.  A dessert stand (free-will offering) will be available at the Grove Lake Park after the parade.  

Lowry

The Lowry American Legion Honor Guard will meet at the legion and proceed to the Lowry Community Center at 10:15 a.m. on Monday, May 29.  The annual Memorial Day program will begin at 10:30 a.m.  Brigadier General Greg A. Haase will give the Keynote Address.  (See complete story on Lowry program below.)