Today, Monday, May 28th, marks the 144th observance of Memorial Day, which was established to commemorate United States Armed Forces personnel who died while in military service. In accordance with Flag Code, the U-S Flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff. Several communities across the state are commemorating Memorial Day, with services and/or special programs.

In our listening area, here are some of the events and/or Memorial Day programs that are planned:

ATLANTIC: 10 am at the Atlantic Cemetery, will broadcast on KJAN at 11 am.

ADAIR: 10 am at the Casey Community Building, refreshments will follow the service.; Memorial Services at 10 am at the Grave of the Unknown Soldier at Sunnyhill Cemetery in Adair.

ANITA: The Anita Legion & Auxiliary at 10:30 am at the Anita Evergreen Cemetery, in case of rain it will be held at the CAM High School Commons; American Legion Post #693 at 11:00 am in the CAM Middle School Commons. There will be coffee and rolls and fellowship before and after the Memorial Service, starting at 10 am.; Anita Congregational United Church of Christ, 501 Locust St in Anita will holding their annual Memorial Day dinner on May 28th at 11 am immediately following the Memorial  Day Services at the Anita Evergreen Cemetery. They will be serving ham balls, baked potato, corn, green beans, salad, dinner roll, drink and their delicious homemade pies. Cost is $8 for adult and $4 for children 12 and under.

The Clarinda American Legion Sergy Post 98 annual Memorial Day Program will be at 10 am at the Clarinda Cemetery. Dustin Morrison will be this years speaker.

CUMBERLAND: 10:30 am City Park

EXIRA: 9:45 am Patriotic Interlude by Exira Community Band, 10:00 am Invocation with Pastor Glen Meyers of Exira Christian Church. Band – “America”, Memorial Day Address by Major General John S. Peppers, Retired. Placing wreath on Tomb of Unknown Soldier, in memory of departed comrades 30 seconds of silence for those lost on war. Band – “Star Spangled Banner”. Firing Squad – Salute to Dead. Taps – followed by Echo. Benediction – Pastor Glen Meyers of Exira Christian Church. There will be short services held at Exira Catholic Cemetery, St. John’s West and at Nishnabotna River in honor of the Navy dead following the main program. In case of rain services will be held at Exira Recreation Center.

GRISWOLD: American Legion Post #508 at 10 am at Veteran’s Park.

Join the Lewis Town & Country Boosters and the Pancake Man on May 28th at the Lewis Community Center from 7:30-10:30 am. They will be serving pancakes & sausages, juice & coffee

The Memorial Day Services at the Nodaway Cemetery, Nodaway, IA will be held at 10 am, with Rev. Sandy Wainwright as the speaker.

The Prescott United Church Memorial Day Dinner will take place from 11 am and 1 pm at the church.

The First Presbyterian Church in Villisca will host a Memorial Day Dinner on May 28th between 11 am and 1 pm at the church.