Memorial Day events scheduled around region
Area residents will have several opportunities to observe Memorial Day and honor local veterans at event Monday.
JoplinA Memorial Day Murph will take place at 10 a.m. Monday at Joplin Strength and Fitness, 3231 Enterprise Ave. This is the 13th year it has hosted a Memorial Day workout dedicated to the memory of Navy Lt. Michael Murphy, 29, of Patchogue, New York, who was killed June 28, 2005, in Afghanistan. The U.S. Navy SEAL officer was awarded the U.S. military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions during the war in Afghanistan. He was the first member of the U.S. Navy to receive the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War.
The Crossfit workout involves a 1-mile run, 100 pullups, 200 pushups, 300 squats and another 1-mile run. It was one of Murphy's favorites, and he named it 'Body Armor.' Gyms around the world participate in the annual workout to honor Murphy.
Justin Olds, co-owner of Joplin Strength and Fitness, said Crossfit was started as a military workout before becoming a worldwide fitness activity.
'Crossfit itself was founded on the idea of sacrificing and struggling together,' Olds said. 'It's about being part of something bigger than yourself. We've always tried to make a big deal out of it, and the community has responded really well to it.'
The workout will have variations so everyone can participate. Olds said that sometimes Joplin Strength and Fitness will have 20 women in their 60s and 70s do a walking version of the workout, so it can be adapted for anyone.
The event is free and open to the public, and it regularly draws over 100 people.
Webb CityMount Hope Cemetery, 3700 N. Range Line Road, is partnering with Charlie 22 Outdoors to present a Memorial Day ceremony at 10 a.m. Monday at the cemetery's open air pavilion, just off 17th Street.
The ceremony will involve the burial of the unclaimed remains of a local soldier. He will be buried with military honors at the cemetery's 'Fallen But Not Forgotten' area, just east of Mount Hope's Veterans Wall, for unclaimed remains. The cemetery is raising funds for a memorial marker for the site.
The guest speaker will be Col. Philip Wright from Missouri Military Honors in Jefferson City. The event will also feature the playing of the national anthem and a presentation by Webb City JROTC.
'We want to recognize our veterans that are here at the cemetery and recognize veterans around the country,' said Travis Boyd, general manager at Mount Hope Cemetery. 'This is also an opportunity to support a soldier who will be buried with military honors who didn't get those honors when he passed. We want to step up and show our veterans our love and appreciation for all they've done.'
The ceremony is free and open to the public. Parking will be limited, so people are advised to arrive early. Seating is also limited, so the public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
MiamiAmerican Legion Post 147 will hold a short Memorial Day ceremony at 10 a.m. Monday at the GAR Cemetery, 2801 N. Main St. in Miami. People should plan to meet at the cemetery's flagpole for the ceremony. The event will include a gun salute and the playing of taps.
Legion member Fred Carter said they've hosted a ceremony for several years at the cemetery. The event is free and open to the public.
CarthageThe Carthage Veterans Alliance, a group of local veterans organizations, will host a Memorial Day ceremony at 10 a.m. Monday at Park Cemetery, 801 S. Baker Blvd., in Carthage. The event's guest speaker will be Lloyd 'Doc' Holloway.
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