This weekend, the brilliant display of flags at Graceland Cemetery returns as American Legion Post 191 assembles the Avenue of Flags.
Weather permitting, the Legion will begin to unload the first trailer on Friday at 10 a.m. The second trailer will unload at 4 p.m., according to Legion officials. Reloading will occur on Tuesday on the same time schedule.
Anyone wishing to volunteer to put up or take down the flags are invited to do so. All volunteers are asked to report to the west cemetery entrance.
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Those wishing to put up their own flags should have them in the sockets of their choice before the first trailer unloads at 10 a.m. Friday and remove the flags before the first trailer begins reloading at 10 a.m. on Tuesday.
Approximately 650 flags will be put up this year.
Memorial Day services
Events in Webster City will get under way at 8:15 a.m. Monday as Legionnaires, Auxiliary members and others participating assemble at the Legion Hall for transportation to the various points. At 8:45 a.m., the American Legion Auxiliary will conduct services at the Marshall Crippen Bridge on North Des Moines Street. The service is a salute to those lost at sea.
The group will then move to Cass Center Cemetery northeast of Webster City for services to be conducted at 9:15 a.m.
Formation of the parade to the Boulevard of Valor and Graceland Cemetery will be held in the 700 Block North Alley. At 10:25 a.m., the parade will proceed south on Des Moines Street for a wreath presentation at the markers on Des Moines Street Boulevard of Valor, and recognition of Hamilton County active military personnel by the Hamilton County Military Families Support Group. The parade will then continue south to Ohio Street, then west to the Broadway Street entrance to Graceland Cemetery and the memorial stage.
The service at the cemetery will be conducted by Legion Commander Randy Youngdale. Pat Powers will be the speaker and Boone Meyers will deliver the Gettysburg Address. Meyers will be Legion Post 191's representative at Boys State this year.
In case of inclement weather, the service will be held in Jefferson Gym at 10:30 a.m.
Legion officials said there was also a need for convertibles to transport veterans needing a ride in the parade. Those with a convertible wishing to drive in the parade are asked to go to the 700 Block North Alley by 10:10 a.m. on Monday.