Memorial Day event will be different this year

Previous year's Memorial Day parade.

American Legion commander Lester Koch attended the Manchester Village Council meeting last Monday and announced that the Legion is making some changes to its annual Memorial Day observance.

Rather than a parade, there will be a traditional service at the Main Street Bridge, beginning at 11 am, followed by one at Wurster Park. Participants will proceed by vehicle from the bridge to Wurster Park, and then to Oak Grove Cemetery, where a final ceremony will be held.

As the members of the American Legion age, and fewer members remain, it becomes harder to find enough veterans who are willing to march in a lengthy parade, Koch explained. But these vets are not ready to let this tradition slip away, so they have devised a new method to honor those who have passed on this year at Memorial Day.

Legionnaires are also seeking volunteers for putting up flags along Main Street on Monday morning, May 31. If you are able to help with this effort, please show up at 8 am at the Legion garage (beyond the tank near the River) and your assistance will be welcomed.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.