Memorial Day observances around Greene County

~compiled by The Scranton Journal

Services Monday, May 29

The American Legion and the Department of Defense request “This Memorial Day Americans pause to remember the brave men and women who have given their lives in defense of our nation, from the Revolutionary War to the worldwide war on terrorism.” 

Scranton Township Cemetery – Memorial Day Services will be held on Monday at 9:45 a.m. at the Scranton Township Cemetery. Al and Cheryl Robson have headed up the committee in planning the event.

Guests will be welcomed, followed by a prayer given by Bill Taggart. The Pledge of Allegiance will be recited.

Olivia Hoyt and Rasmus Villebro will sing “The Star Spangled Banner.” Alexa Peters is the guest speaker.

Veterans in attendance will be recognized. 

The Greene County High School Band will conclude the program with patriotic music followed by Taps. 

The roll call of names of those buried in Scranton Cemetery since Memorial Day 2022 will be read as a final tribute.

For guaranteed, comfortable seating, bring your own lawn chairs. In case of bad weather, the service will be held in the Scranton Community Center (gymnasium, use the east door).

St. Joseph Cemetery, Jefferson, 9:30 am – Taps will be performed by Lincoln Schwander and Keaton Hinote, Greene County Middle School students. 

Jefferson Municipal Cemetery, 10:45 am – American Legion Post #11 vice commander Jim Andrew will serve as master of ceremonies, welcoming the guests. Pastor Bruce Webster of the Church of Christ will present the invocation and benediction.

The Jefferson fire department will raise the American flag and the Lindsay Medal of Honor flag, followed by the National Anthem and patriotic music by the Greene County High School Band. 

Annabelle Sanders, winner of the American Legion fifth grade flag essay contest, will recite her winning entry. Army veteran Matt Thompson will give the Memorial Day address.

A joint VFW / American Legion firing squad will salute fallen heroes while Taps is played by Greene County High School musicians Caleb Most and Karlee Fagerlind.

Vice Commander Elvin Thompson will give comments on the PTSD program slated for Tuesday, June 6.

Churdan – Mass at 8 am at St Patrick historic church west of Churdan. 8 a.m, followed by a military service at St Patrick Cemetery. Military service at 9:30 am at Highland Township Cemetery in Churdan, with music provided by the Town and Country Band.

Coffee and rolls will be served at the Churdan American Legion Hall from 8 am to noon sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary. 

Rippey area – Kinkead-Martin American Legion Post #583 will perform a ceremony at Fairview Cemetery at 9 am, followed by the Bowers-Angus Cemetery at 10 am, then Old Rippey cemetery at 10:30 am. They will conclude the services in the Rippey Cemetery at 11 am. A free-will lunch will be served at the Rippey United Methodist Church after the ceremony at the cemetery.

Richland Township Cemetery, St Mary’s Cemetery and Franklin Township Cemetery – American Legion Paul Johnson Post #$687 of Jamaica will conduct services at Richland Cemetery at 9 am; St Mary’s Cemetery north of Jamaica at 10 am; followed by Franklin Township Cemetery at Cooper at 11 am. The Cooper program will include recognition of the closing of the Cooper United Methodist Church and the Stofer family.

Dillavou Cemetery – The annual Memorial Day service at the Dillavou Cemetery north of Ralston will be held Monday at 2 pm. The guest speaker is Tim Robbins, Scranton native and Viet Nam veteran. Bring your lawn chairs. In case of rain or high winds, the service will be held at the Ralston Fire Department building. 

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