The Sappington-Concord Historical Society will host the biggest, little annual Memorial Day celebration in south county at 10 a.m. Monday, May 26, at Memorial Park.

Memorial Park is the small, grassy area bordered by Gravois, Denny and Sappington roads in front of the former Johnny’s Market at 11555 Gravois Road.

This year’s celebration will honor members of the armed forces for their service, and showcase the talented youth of the Sappington-Concord community, according to a news release.

Musicians from the Lindbergh High School Spirit of St. Louis Marching Band will kick off the celebration with several inspiring selections and will perform the “Salute to the Armed Forces,” recognizing veterans from each branch of service.

Boy Scout Troop 646 from St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church will lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and Sperreng Middle School eighth-grader Rachel Nieters will sing “God Bless the USA.”

This year’s guest speaker will be the Rev. Carlton E. Norton, a retired U.S. Navy chaplain.

The event also will feature a tribute to prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action by Bob Pieper and the Mehlville Fire Protection District. Retired Chief Warrant Officer 5 Randy Ottinger, a veteran helicopter pilot who served in Iraq, will serve as naster of ceremonies.

An American bald eagle from the World Bird Sanctuary in Valley Park will make an appearance before the celebration, and doves of peace will be released during the program.

The ceremony is open to the public, but the society encourages guest to bring their own lawn chairs for seating. Parking will be available on the lot of the former Johnny’s Market.

After the ceremony, a reception will take place the auditorium at St. Lucas United Church of Christ, 11735 Denny Road. “Hometown Heroes” books will be available for sale.

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