Many Iowans are looking forward to the unofficial start of summer with the upcoming three-day Memorial Day weekend, but it is important the meaning behind the holiday not be forgotten. The tradition of honoring our nation’s fallen servicemen and women dates back to the Civil War, and it was officially declared a national holiday by Congress in 1971. RT Schreck, a Carroll American Legion Member, says they have a very busy morning scheduled for Monday.
A large part of the event is setting up the hundreds of flags that adorn veterans’ graves in the local cemetery, and Schreck says they are always looking for volunteers willing to lend a hand.
Volunteers will gather at 5 p.m. tomorrow (Friday) at the cemetery’s north entrance. They will also need volunteers to set up and tear down the Avenue of Flags on Monday morning and evening.
The parade in Carroll begins at the corner of 1st and Main Streets around 10 a.m. Monday and proceeds east to the cemetery. Following the Memorial Day services, the Carroll Historic Preservation Commission will host its second annual Cemetery Character walk, featuring prominent figures from local history. Schreck says residents are also invited to join them at an open house at the Carroll American Legion.
In the event of inclement weather, the Legion’s Memorial Day services will move to the Legion Hall, and the character walk will be relocated to the Kuemper Fieldhouse. Communities, American Legions, and VFW posts will be hosting services throughout the region Monday. Check with local officials to find one near you.
