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FOOTHILLS – Each year in the United States, on the last Monday in May, we honor and mourn U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the armed forces. This year, Memorial Day falls on May 29. There are several local opportunities during Memorial Day Weekend for citizens to pay their respects and honor those who sacrificed all while protecting the freedoms we all hold sacred.

On Friday, May 26, American Legion Post 250 and Auxiliary members will distribute small paper poppies at several local businesses. In 1920, the poppy became the official flower of the American Legion and memorializes soldiers who fought and died. Sales of red poppies benefit veterans associations and fund many charities and veterans causes. Donations are welcome, and all donations received will be used to benefit local Veterans.

On Saturday, May 27 at 9 a.m., members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9116 and Auxiliary will meet to place an American Flag at the grave of each Veteran interred at Polk Memorial Garden Cemetery in Columbus. The Veterans group welcomes other local groups and individuals who want to participate in this activity.

Later that day, at approximately 11 a.m., the VFW Post 9116 and Auxiliary members will travel to Saluda and place an American Flag on the grave of each Veteran interred at the Saluda Cemetery and Freedom Baptist Church.

On Memorial Day, Memorial Day Ceremonies will be conducted at Polk Memorial Gardens by members of the VFW Post 9116 and Auxiliary, the Polk County Memorial Honor Guard, and McFarland Funeral Home and Crematory. The public is invited to attend this 45th annual event., which takes place at 10 a.m. 

At 3:30 p.m., Memorial Day Ceremonies will be conducted at the Saluda Veterans Park by members of the VFW Post 9116 and Auxiliary and the Polk County Memorial Honor Guard.

The Polk County VFW Post 9116 officers and Auxiliary officers, along with the Polk County Memorial Honor Guard will conclude each Memorial Day Ceremony with the laying of a wreath and flowers whose colors have special meanings for this Day. This will be followed with the presentation of a small American Flag, a 3-round volley Gun Salute and the playing of Taps.

Michael Collins, Commander of VFW Post 9116, asks the community to join in the activities to help fulfill our commitment to remember and honor those men and women who gave their lives so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today.

“We want to invite the community to participate,” said Collins. “Let us never forget the sacrifices made by these brave men and women.”

Activities are planned for Memorial Day Weekend to honor the fallen heroes of the U.S. armed forces.