Memorial Day programs planned throughout the area
May 24—Monday, May 27, is Memorial Day, a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. From 1868 to 1970, it was observed on May 30. Since 1971, it is observed on the last Monday of May.
The observation marks the unofficial beginning of summer, when many people decorate military graves with American flags.
Memorial Day services are planned for Decatur, Ripley and Rush County.
BATESVILLE
Batesville American Legion Post 271 and VFW Post 3183 are partnering to honor deceased veterans from Ripley County.
Plans call for visiting multiple cemeteries in keeping with the following schedule:
8 a.m.: Holy Family Cemetery, 3078 Pearl Street, Oldenburg.
9 a.m.: St. Marks Cemetery, 112 Ind. 46, Batesville.
9:30 a.m.: St. Johns Cemetery in Huntersville, an unincorporated community in Franklin County.
10 a.m.: St. Louis and United Methodist cemeteries, both in Batesville. These cemeteries are in close proximity to each other and the Memorial Day program will move from one immediately to the other.
At 11 a.m., those involved as well as the general public will gather in Batesville's Liberty Park for a program and the unveiling of new veteran monuments.
Following the program at the park, VFW 3183 will host an open house at 132 E. Boehringer Street, Batesville.
GREENSBURG
Greensburg American Legion Post 129 will convene the annual Memorial Day remembrance of all deceased United States military veterans at 10 a.m. Monday at the Veteran's Circle at South Park Cemetery in Greensburg.
The ceremony will include the reading of the names of local veterans who have died during the past 12 months as well as the tradition of placing commemoration wreaths by the Legion Women's Auxiliary of Post 129.
The featured speaker will be Jeff Houser, a combat scout helicopter pilot shot down in enemy territory during the Vietnam War in March, 1971.
Although injured in the crash, he evaded capture by the North Vietnamese for four days, eventually escaping the enemy and returning to his unit in the 1st Air Cavalry Division.
Along with other U.S. Army recognition, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Purple Heart, and three Bronze Stars.
He is now retired after teaching American history for 33 years in Rushville.
Last year, he published a book titled "Apache Country, A Cambodian Odyssey," about his Vietnam experience.
The ceremony will also include specific recognition of US military veterans missing or killed in action.
The ceremony will be held rain or shine; wear clothing appropriate for the weather.
After the ceremony, the Post 129 Women's Auxiliary will host a fried chicken lunch open to the general public at the local Legion headquarters, 326 E. Main Street, Greensburg. The meal is supported by free-will donations.
A Memorial Day service is also planned for the southern Decatur County town of Westport. The Southern Decatur County Memorial Day Service is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday at Westport Cemetery, 6187 W 1100 S, Westport. Bring a lawn chair. For more info, call 812-591-3807.
RUSHVILLE
Rushville American Legion Post 150 and the Rush County Veterans Honor Guard will honor fallen veterans starting at 11 a.m. Monday at the Veterans Memorial Bridge near the intersection of N. Main Street and Park Boulevard in North Veterans Memorial Park, Rushville.
After the ceremony at the bridge, a procession will make its way to East Hill Cemetery's veterans section where another service will be conducted.
At 2 p.m. those involved will travel to Arlington East Hill Cemetery, 6350 W. US Hwy 52, Arlington. It is suggested attendees bring a lawn chair.
At 8 p.m., there will be another program honoring fallen veterans on the west lawn of the Rush County Courthouse. This will be done under the lights of luminaries.
