It is also a time to honor loved ones who have passed on. Bright flowers decorate graves. American flags can be seen flying atop graves of veterans. According to the American Legion, the flag should be flown at half staff until noon on Memorial Day, then raised to the top of the staff during the afternoon.
The Paynesville and Lake Henry American Legions will be holding special services to recognize the veterans from their communities who served in the armed forces on Monday, May 29.
At 8 a.m., St. Louis Catholic Church will hold an outdoor mass at the parish cemetery on Highway 124.
At 9:30 a.m., the Paynesville American Legion will host a program at the Paynesville Area Elementary School. Larry Alstead, first vice commander, will be the master of ceremonies. Guest speaker for the program is William Schultz, a crew member on a B17 during World War II.
Taking part in the program are the Paynesville Area Boy Scouts, Paynesville Area Girl Scouts, and the Paynesville Area High School Band.
Paynesville American Legion Boy Stater Marty Lieser will read "In Flanders Field and Response," while Paynesville American Legion Girl Stater Erin O'Fallon will read "America's Creed."
After the services there will be a parade to the Lake Street Bridge on the north edge of Paynesville where a tribute to the naval dead will be held. The Paynesville Area Marching Band will play "Navy Hymn."
Following a short service at the bridge, the American Legion Color Guard, and legion and auxiliary members will travel to the Paynesville City Cemetery for a short service.
The Legion auxiliary will be serving a ham dinner at the American Legion Hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Lake Henry memorial services
The Lake Henry American Legion Post 612 will hold an outdoor mass at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 29, at the Othmar Braun American Legion Post on County Road 32, three miles east of Lake Henry.
Following the service, a chicken and ham dinner will be served.