STE. GENEVIEVE — The Ste. Genevieve VFW Hall on Memorial Drive will be the focus of the community’s Memorial Day observance again this year.
Traditionally in Ste. Genevieve, Memorial Day ceremonies take place at the VFW, while Veterans Day ceremonies happen at the American Legion Hall.
Organizers say they have been collecting soldiers’ flags for the Avenue of Flags for several days. If you have a deceased relative and would like the flag presented at their funeral to be displayed, take it to the VFW Hall by Friday.
Ste. Genevieve and Valle football players will put up the flags (weather permitting) and then take them down.
Memorial Day will begin with mass at the Church of Ste. Genevieve, at 9 a.m. and then at 11 a.m. the ceremony inside the VFW Hall will commence. The program formerly was held outside on the parking lot but was moved inside due to summertime heat and the possibility of rain.
Senior Vice Commander, soon to be state commander, Quincy Myric will be the guest speaker.
The program will also include a dedication of the cannon which was recently refurbished and then returned to its place of honor outside the hall.
St. Agnes Seventh Grader Lyla Shortt stands on the historic cannon, which she nicknamed “Old Whistler” winning a contest among local school children.
A special tribute will honor the veterans who have participated in military honor guards at more than 700 funerals over the years will be recognized. The numbers continue to decline. Thirty-seven veterans participated in the graveside honors when they started doing it, but now the number is 11. A minimum of seven is needed. to perform the ritual.
The Memorial Day program will conclude with a rifle volley and the playing of Taps.
Editor’s note – We have not yet received word of Memorial Day events in other River Region communities. Please send the information about your event as soon as you can to this email address: news@suntimesnews.com