South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

South St. Louis County News

St. Louis Call Newspapers

Memorial Day ceremonies will honor veterans who made ultimate sacrifice

U.S. veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom will be honored this Memorial Day weekend at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, 2900 Sher-idan Road, and Memorial Park, Gravois and Sappington roads.

On Sunday, May 29, the Boy Scouts of the Gravois Trail District will mark the observance with their 55th annual Me-morial Day Good Turn Ceremony at the JB cemetery. The event ensures each grave will boast an American flag when the sun rises on Memorial Day.

Then on Monday, May 30, JB’s annual Memorial Day Services will begin at 10 a.m. with a procession to the Old Flag Circle.

Parking is available at Sylvan Springs Park next to the cemetery’s main gate and the Veterans Administration Medical Center next to Beasley Elementary School. Buses will transport visitors to the ceremony.

At Memorial Park, the Sappington-Concord Historical Society will sponsor its annual Memorial Day Service at 10 a.m. Monday, May 30.

The ceremony will take place in the shadow of the granite stone monument, which lists the names of 171 men and women of the community who served their country in World War II. The ceremony has been at the monument since its dedication on Memorial Day 1995.

The Joint Color Guard from Scott Field will present the colors. This group represents all branches of the military — the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. Each member of the guard will wear the dress uniform of the unit they represent, and carry their unit flags.

Select members of the Lindbergh High School Spirit of St. Louis Marching Band will perform at the celebration. One of their selections will be “A Salute to the Armed Forces,” a medley of tunes representing each branch of the military.

Following the service, a reception will take place in the auditorium of the St. Lucas United Church of Christ, 11753 Denny Road. “Hometown Heroes,” which features the stories of more than 140 local veterans, will be available for purchase for $25 at the ceremony and the reception.

Johnny’s Market will allow parking on the rear of its lot. Spectators are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.