As Memorial Day weekend approaches, communities begin preparations to observe this time to remember those who have died while serving in the armed forces.

The Simon Kenton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2734 will be holding a wreath ceremony in honor of the fallen at the Mason County Courthouse in Maysville at 7 a.m. on Monday. A free breakfast will follow the ceremony from 7:30-11 a.m. at the post.

Auxiliary President Debbie Highfield said the post has been doing this ceremony for well over a decade, usually with a turnout of between 20-25 people.

“It’s about honoring the veterans and the ones who are still fighting overseas,” she said. “And it’s because their service that we have our freedom today.”

Highfield added that the post members will also conduct a wreath ceremony at the post at 3177 Kentucky 9 AA Highway in Maysville. All members of the public are invited to attend

Another wreath ceremony will be held in Lewis County by the Monte Lewis Stamm Post 5438 at noon on Monday. Assistant City Clerk Greta May said members of the public and the post will be present for the event at the Veterans Memorial Park in Vanceburg.

After the ceremony, post members will travel to various cemeteries to place flags on the graves of veterans, May added.

Bracken County will also be conducting a ceremony for the holiday on Saturday at 6 p.m.

According to Bracken County Judge-Executive Tina Teegarden, the event will either be held at the Veteran Memorial on the Bracken County Courthouse lawn or in the Bracken County Judicial Center, depending on the weather.

At this ceremony, Brooksville Mayor Craig Hester will welcome all in attendance, while the Bracken County Alumni Band accompanied by a number of students will play music.

Bracken County resident and last World War II veteran in the community Troy Fields will then be honored by United States Air Force retiree Eddie Bush.

“It’s usually well attended,” Teegarden said. “We had a huge attendance last year at the Judicial Center.”

Ripley, Ohio will be holding its own Memorial Day observance on Monday at 12:30 p.m. on Front Street. A decorated bike, wagon or cart contest will be held at that time.

Following the contest, the event’s opening ceremony will begin at the Front Street monument. The processional will continue to the Red Oak Bridge where a wreath will be placed in memory for the soldiers who have died in the line of duty.

The processional will conclude at the Maplewood Cemetery with a closing ceremony. Retired United States Navy Veteran Angela Bahnsen will speak during the ceremony.

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Jonathan Wright

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