PREBLE COUNTY — Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering those who died while serving in the armed forces. The holiday is currently observed every year on the last Monday of May. The day also marks the unofficial start of the summer vacation season, while Labor Day marks its end.
Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving the country. Preble County is preparing to honor those lost from the county and throughout the country from Saturday, May 26 through Monday, May 28 (Memorial Day.)There are many parades and ceremonies planned throughout the long weekend.
Saturday, May 26:
•The Village of New Paris will be holding its annual Memorial Day Parade. Lineup begins at 11 a.m. at American Legion Post 360, 215 North Washington St., in New Paris. The parade travels south from the post down Washington to the east side of the cemetery for the Memorial Day ceremony.
Sunday, May 27:
•The Village of West Alexandria is holding its Memorial Service. Starting at 8 a.m., James E. Ryan Post 322 will leave the post to fire 21-gun salutes at the cemeteries. At 11 a.m., there will be a wreath/deck ceremony at Legion Hall. The Memorial Day service begins at 2 p.m. at Sugar Grove. Lunch and fellowship will follow at 3 p.m. at the Post.
•The Village of Lewisburg will be holding its special Hometown Heroes Memorial Day Ceremony. The flag dedication will be held from noon until 1 p.m. in front of Farmers State Bank. The parade will begin at 1 p.m., ending at Roselawn Cemetery, for a service at 1:30 p.m. There will be a veterans appreciation luncheon at 2 p.m. at the TCN Community Association Center.
•The Village of Gratis will begin its Memorial Day parade at 1:30 p.m. The procession will travel from the post office, located at 100 East Franklin Street, to Fairview Cemetery for the ceremony.
Monday, May 28:
•On Memorial Day, the City of Eaton is holding its annual Memorial Day ceremony. Assembly will begin at 9 a.m. on Vine Street (Armory), with the parade beginning at 10 a.m. The procession will head west on East Main Street to the West Main Street Bridge for a ceremony and onto the old side of Mound Hill for another ceremony at the soldier statue. Socializing with food will take place at both American Legion Post 215 and VFW Post 8066 following the cemetery ceremony. At noon, the community pool opens for the season.
•The Village of West Elkton is holding a parade and ceremony. Parade lineup begins at 9 a.m. at the ball diamond, with the parade beginning at 10 a.m. and ending at the cemetery. Following the ceremony, there will be a reception at West Elkton Intermediate school cafeteria with hot dogs, chips, and various raffles.
•The Village of Camden will be holding its Memorial Day parade beginning at 2 p.m. The parade will travel from VFW Post 1577 to Fairmount Cemetery for a ceremony.
