Memorial Day program Monday at national cemetery

The Fort Scott National Cemetery, 900 E. National Ave., will host special Memorial Day services on Monday, a day to remember Americans who have died defending their country throughout the world since 1775.

Services, which are organized by The American Legion Post 25, The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1165, the Disabled American Veterans, and the Combat Infantrymen's Association, will begin at 9:30 a.m. Monday with the Rev. Jared Witt leading a prayer on the steps of the Bourbon County Courthouse, 210 S. National Ave., in honor of all American war veterans.

Memorial Day is observed to honor and remember soldiers who died serving in uniform during wartime. Other than commemorative services, many people demonstrate remembrance of this special day by placing flags at gravesites, marching in parades, sponsoring patriotic programs, and dedicating memorials,.

The remembrance spans nearly 230 years and about 60 military actions all across the globe that claimed almost 1.5 million lives.

Cemetery services are scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. Monday with a welcome by cemetery representative Glenda Pavey, who will also lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Fort Scott Mayor Dick Hedges will serve as master of ceremonies for the event. Witt will give the invocation, followed by the musical selection "Never Forget" performed by local musicians Ralph Carlson and James "Red" Stradley.

In 1868, Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day, which was the holiday's original name, be observed on May 30 each year. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all across the country, as the Grand Army of the Republic, an organization of Union veterans, had established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers.

Memorial Day was observed on May 30 for more than 100 years. The holiday has been observed on the last Monday in May since 1971.

Logan will be remembered by VFW Post No. 1165 Commander Clint Walker during the Monday service.

William Owensby, the director of the Leavenworth National Cemetery, is the guest speaker for the services and will give the Memorial Day address. Owensby is responsible for all burial and maintenance operations at Leavenworth National Cemetery and Fort Scott National Cemetery. He joined the U.S. Army in 1971 and served for seven years overseas.

Members of The American Legion Post 25 and Auxiliary will place the honorary wreath, followed by the honor volley that will be presented by members of the VFW Post No. 1165. Witt will then give the benediction, and his father, Jerry Witt, will conclude the services with the playing of "Taps." Refreshments will be served at the VFW Post No. 1165, 1745 S. National Ave., following the services.