Memorial Day events set for communities around the area
May 23—Communities across the region will commemorate Memorial Day with public ceremonies and events this weekend. Below is a list of observances open to the public.
Mitchell: Memorial Day festivities begin Saturday, May 24, along South Main Street in Mitchell, S.D., with events including a poker run, corn hole tournament, and beer garden at noon. Other highlights include a Show and Shine car show and a ladies poker walk at 1 p.m., followed by a kid pedal pull and family fun at 2 p.m. The BBQ rib Championship opens to public tasting at 4 p.m., with awards presented at 6 p.m.
A Memorial Day service will be held Monday beginning at 9:15 a.m. at the American Legion Cemetery, continuing at 9:30 a.m. at the Navy Lagoon, 9:40 a.m. at the Grand Army of the Republic site, and concluding at 10 a.m. at the Serviceman's Cemetery. State Rep. Jeff Bathke will deliver remarks, with Craig Bennett serving as master of ceremonies. Music will be provided by the Mitchell City Band, and Taps will be performed by Kris Enga and Colin Pickett.
Alpena: A Memorial Day service will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Alpena Community Center, honoring local veterans and remembering those who gave their lives in service.
Artesian: An event will take place at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the Artesian Community Center for a Memorial Day observance honoring fallen service members.
Burke: The Burke VFW and Herrick American Legion Post will lead a series of Memorial Day services beginning at 10 a.m. at Graceland Cemetery, with commemorations taking place at area cemeteries to follow. U.S. Air Force retired Master Sgt. Rachelle A. Bloom will serve as the featured speaker. A community potluck will follow at the Burke VFW.
Canova: Memorial Day services begin at 11 a.m. at the Canova Legion Hall, featuring remarks by retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Stan Rauch. A potluck meal will follow the program.
Carthage: Memorial Day service will take place at 10 a.m. at the Carthage Auditorium, with guest speaker Patrick Burger.
Chamberlain: A service will begin at 10 a.m. at South Dakota Veterans Park. In the event of inclement weather, the program will move to the Chamberlain Community Center.
Delmont: A Memorial Day ceremony will honor veterans at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Delmont Legion Hall. Speakers include Kenneth Wieting and Pastor Stephen Gallo.
Ethan: The Ethan Legion Post 261 will host Memorial Day services at 10 a.m. at the Legion Hall. A roll call at the cemetery will follow, weather permitting. A potluck lunch will be served at the Legion Hall.
Gann Valley: A Memorial Day service will begin at 9:30 a.m. with colors posted at Duncan Cemetery. The program continues at 10:30 a.m. at the Fire Hall with speaker Gigi Hendricksen. Honors will be held at Spring Hill Cemetery, with a potluck lunch to follow at the Fire Hall.
Geddes: A ceremony will take place at 9:30 a.m. at Pleasant Lawn Cemetery. In case of rain, the program will take place at the Multipurpose Building. The annual dinner will follow at Lone Tree Steakhouse in Geddes.
Howard: A Memorial Day program will take place at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Taschner Park. South Dakota National Guard Col. Dennis Bickett will be the featured speaker.
Kimball: Memorial Day proceedings will take place at 9:30 a.m. at Vega Cemetery. A program will take place at 10:30 a.m. at the Legion Hall. The guest speaker is Preston Singrey. Commemorations will follow at Kimball City and St. Margaret's cemeteries, followed by a potluck dinner.
Letcher: A Memorial Day program will be held at 10 a.m. at the Letcher Community Center. The service will include guest speakers, music and military honors. Coffee and rolls will be served afterwards.
Lyman County: A service will take place at 10 a.m. at the Reliance Cemetery, followed by an 11 a.m. program at the Kennebec gym, followed by military honors at Kennebec Cemetery. A community potluck will follow at the school lunchroom.
Menno: The Memorial Day program will take place at 10:30 a.m. at the Menno High School auditorium. Past American Legion State Commander Terry Hanson will be the featured speaker. A lunch will follow the program.
Milltown: Proceedings will take place at 9 a.m. at the Milltown Cemetery. Music will be provided by Maurice Bueber and the Happy Memories Band.
Parkston: A community program will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday at the Parkston Amphitheater, with a flag ceremony to follow.
Plankinton: A Memorial Day program will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Plankinton School, with remarks by The Rev. Terry Weber. A wreath-laying ceremony at the cemetery and a luncheon at the school will follow.
Salem: A community Memorial Day program will be held at 7 p.m. Monday at the McCook Central High School Performing Arts Center. Brett Dickerson, of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, will be the guest speaker.
Scotland: A Memorial Day program will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the Scotland High School Gym.
Wagner: A program will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at the National Guard Armory. The guest speaker will be State Rep. Jon Hansen, who is South Dakota Speaker of the House.
Wessington Springs: A Memorial Day service will be held at 10 a.m. at Hope Cemetery, with remarks by Deach Koch. A second program will follow at 11 a.m. at Prospect Hill Cemetery with speaker Don Grubb. A potluck meal will be served at noon at the Legion Hall.
Woonsocket: A memorial ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Eventide Cemetery, followed by a ceremony at the Woonsocket Veterans Memorial at 10:45 a.m. A program will follow at 11 a.m. at the Woonsocket Community Center, with the Town N Kountry Kids 4-H Club presenting. A lunch served by Legion Auxiliary will follow.
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