Memorial Day services scheduled, volunteers needed to set up flags

Memorial Day services have been planned at the Ritzville Memorial Cemetery and the Washtucna Pioneer Memorial Cemetery on Monday, May 25.

Volunteers are needed on May 22 at 5:30 p.m. to assist the Ritzville VFW Post No. 11446 and American Legion Post No. 51 with setting flags up at the cemetery. The flags are taken down the evening of May 25 and volunteers are also needed to assist at the cemetery on Monday evening.

In Washtucna, the memorial service begins at 11 a.m. with a prayer, readings and an opportunity for residents to remember and honor veterans, as well as the playing of taps.

Immediately following the ceremony, a luncheon is hosted at Washtucna Community Church for all to attend. The luncheon includes a full meal of soup and sandwiches, and it is open to the public. A short program is scheduled after the luncheon.

The Ritzville memorial service begins at 11:30 a.m. with an introduction by VFW Post Commander Robert Reynolds. The opening prayer is provided by Pastor Judith Rinehart-Nelson, followed by the ringing of the bell and the reading of the names.

Rinehart-Nelson will have a short talk about the importance of the day, before Mayor Linda Kadlec speaks briefly. The Color Guard Honors will be completed, followed by the playing of taps and the retiring of the flag. The flag will then be hoisted to half-mast, before Rinehart-Nelson gives the closing prayer.