Communities make plans for Memorial Day

Local communities will join in a national day of remembrance for those who have served our nation on Memorial Day next Monday, May 27, with events planned in Buffalo Center, Lakota, Rake, Thompson and Titonka.

The program in Buffalo Center will begin with a parade at about 8:50 a.m., which will march from the intersection of 1st St. NW and 2nd Ave. one block east to Main Street., then one block north to 3rd Ave., and then one block west to the school. The program then gets underway in the school auditorium at about 9 a.m., with featured speaker Ryan Almelien and special music by Jerry and Shelby Holbrook. A program at Graceland Cemetery will follow the program in the auditorium, and the American Legion Auxiliary will also serve coffee, juice and sweet rolls in the school commons.

The Memorial Day program in Lakota will be held at the Eagle Center starting at 10 a.m. This year’s program will focus on honoring those who lost their lives serving our country with readings, songs and videos presented by local students and adults from the area. Children will be invited to come forward to hold a flag while the audience sings “God Bless America”. The children are encouraged to take the miniature flags home with them to display and honor. Following the program, people are encouraged to join the Honor Guard for services and laying of the wreaths at the St. Paul Lutheran and Maple Hill Cemeteries. A free will donation will be accepted for lunch served by the Lakota Council Members and families along with volunteers from Valero Renewables.

The Rake Memorial Day program will be held Monday morning at 10:45 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church. Pastor Bill Peake of First Reformed Church in Buffalo Center will be the featured speaker for the program. The title of Peake’s address will be “Memories that Build Memorial Day”. The Memorial Day program will conclude at Rake City Hall, with a prayer by Pastor Peake, decorating of graves, a salute to the dead, and the playing of “Taps”. Following the program, coffee will be served at City Hall.

The City of Thompson will hold its annual Memorial Day Picnic on Monday, May 27, which serves as a fundraiser for the Thompson Pool and Park. The meal will be held at the Round-Up Room at the Branding Iron from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., featuring grilled hamburgers, pork loin, coleslaw, beans, chips, and bars for a freewill donation.

A Memorial Day Program will be held in Titonka on Monday morning at Good Hope Lutheran Church, starting at 9:30 a.m. The program is sponsored by the Titonka American Legion Auxiliary, and the featured speaker will be Judy Junkermeier. Refreshments will be served following the program.