Schedule of Memorial Day Observances

Here's a look at Memorial Day observances in the area that we've heard about:

--Dieterich will have their observance on Monday at 10am at the Liberty Park Veterans Memorial. In case of rain, the ceremony will be moved to the Liberty Park Pavilion. Dieterich Mayor Brad Hardiek will be Master of Ceremonies. Dr. LeRoy Tucker will be the guest speaker. He's a minister, but also a retired Missouri State Trooper and is Effingham Police Department Chaplain.

--The Ann Crooker St. Clair Chapter NSDAR will hold a Memorial Day service at Ewington Cemetery, west of Effingham along US Route 40 in the S curves on Saturday at 10am.

--The Memorial Day observance at Watson Cemetery is set for 9am Saturday.

--The Altamont Memorial Day observance will include a parade stepping off at 10am from Altamont Community High School and heading west on Division Street to Main Street, then north on Main Street to Altamont Union Cemetery. The ceremony will follow with Altamont businessman Gerry White serving as guest speaker.

--Three services are planned on Monday in Effingham...at 9am at St. Anthony Cemetery at the Theodore Hoffman gravesite...at 10:30am at Oakridge Cemetery at the Veterans Memorial...and at about 11am at Woodlawn Cemetery. At both the Oakridge Cemetery and Woodlawn Cemetery, DAV Chapter 7 will be the host organization. DAV Commander Dave Althoff will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Gold Star Mothers Lynn Donaldson and Kathy Sayne will be recognized. Rev. Mike Burdick of St. John's Lutheran Church will offer the invocation. Charlie and Bob McWhorter will oversee the Raising of the Colors, and Pat and Julie Zuber will present the National Anthem. Following the presentation of the wreaths, guest speaker retired US Navy Commander Kirby Tolch will speak. Rev. Burdick will deliver the benediction, Bill Copple will serve as Sergeant at Arms for the 21-gun salute, and Matt Stead will play "Taps".  A meal will be served at the DAV Club Room following the ceremonies.