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POLK COUNTY—Local Veterans groups have announced planned activities for Memorial Day weekend, culminating in the 46th annual Memorial Day Ceremony in Columbus. These groups ask the public to join them and help fulfill our commitment to remember and honor the men and women who gave their lives so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today.

On Friday, May 24, American Legion Post 250 and Auxiliary members will distribute small paper poppies at several local businesses. Donations are welcome, and all proceeds will benefit local Veterans. The poppy is the official flower of the American Legion, memorializing soldiers who have fought and died.

At 1 p.m. on Friday, members of the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Post 9116 and Auxiliary, as well as the Polk County Memorial Honor Guard, will meet to place an American Flag at the grave of each Veteran interred at the Tryon Cemetery on Markham Road. Members welcome others to participate.

Then, on Saturday, May 25, at 9 a.m., members of the American Legion Post 250 and Auxiliary, the VFW Post 9116 and Auxiliary, and the Polk County Memorial Honor Guard will meet to place an American Flag at the grave of each Veteran interred at Polk Memorial Garden Cemetery in Columbus. Other local groups and individuals who want to participate are welcome to join them in this activity, as well. At approximately 11 a.m., members will travel to Saluda and place an American Flag on the grave of each Veteran interred at the Saluda Cemetery and the Friendship Baptist Church.

Memorial Day Ceremonies will be conducted on Monday, May 27, 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 46th annual event, which will begin at 10 a.m.

At 3:30 p.m., Memorial Day Ceremonies will be conducted at 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 by the presentation of a small American Flag, a three-round volley Gun Salute, and the playing of Taps.

“We’re asking anyone who can participate to join us for these activities,” said D. Michael Collins, Commander, VFW Post 9116.