Area residents will have a number of opportunities to attend Memorial Day programs in this area.

In Glenwood, the annual Memorial Day (May 27) service will begin at 10 a.m. at Central Square.  Vietnam veteran and Pope County Commissioner Gordy Wagner will serve as the Master of Ceremonies.   

Jim Thoreen, a Vietnam-era veteran will provide the keynote address;  and a “Daughter’s Thoughts” will be done by Rebecca Webb.  There will be musical selections and a roll call of the “recently deceased” veterans.  

The Morton Family Singers will perform Bridge Over Troubled Waters.

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 (May 27) program is planned to begin at 10:30 a.m. at City Park in Starbuck.  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.

Grove Lake

All veterans are welcome to come and march with the color guard in the Grove Lake Memorial Parade at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 26 at Grove Lake Chapel. Kids will place flowers on veteran’s graves. After the parade the public will proceed to the park for a short program.  The public is encouraged to attend.

A dessert stand will be available at Grove Lake Park after the parade. (Free will offering)  

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 27.  The annual Memorial Day program will begin at 10:30 a.m. 

Villard

The annual Memorial Day program in Villard will take place at the Lake Amelia Cemetery on Monday, May 27.  The service starts at 10:30 a.m.  If inclement weather, the service will be at the Grace Pointe Villard Church.

Farwell

A patriotic hymn sing with appropriate readings honoring two local men, Maynard Ettesvold and Donald Bollum will be held at the Farwell Historic Church from 3 to 6 p.m. this Sunday, May 26.  

Maynard Ettesvold and Donald Bollum spent their childhoods in Framnas and Ben Wade Townships respectively, and whose lives ended in service to their country, during the fall of 1944 in France. Both are buried in Epinal Military Cemetery. Memorabilia will be on display with the patriotic hymn sing at 4 pm followed by refreshments. Dr. Randy Pederson of Glenwood is the nephew of Donald Bollum and will be leading the hymn sing with accompanist, Julene Peterson. All are welcome to attend.