Memorial Day
, which is observed on the last Monday of May, commemorates the men and women who died while in military service. In observance of the holiday, many people visit cemeteries and memorials, and volunteers often place American flags on each grave site at national cemeteries. A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 PM local time.
On Martha’s Vineyard we will start Memorial Day weekend with a ceremony for veterans at the Oak Bluffs School at 8:15 AM. on Friday, May 24
th
. The Tisbury School’s March to the Sea will also take place on Friday at 12 PM. All veterans are welcome at these ceremonies.
On Monday, May 27
th
at 7:30 AM we will put up over 400 flags on the Avenue of Flags in Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven. A lot of hands are needed to accomplish this task, so please come by to help either put up or take down the flags. The flags will be taken down at 3 PM after we observe a Moment of Remembrance.
The annual Memorial Day parade will step off from the American Legion Hall at 10 AM and proceed to the Avenue of Flags. Our guest speaker this year is Jeffery Spear, U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran. All police and fire departments are invited to attend, along with the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. If you have any questions regarding these events or want to find out how to participate, call Jo Ann Murphy at 508-693-6887.
