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 30.

Volunteers are needed on May 27 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 30 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 the Washtucna Community Church for all to attend. The potluck luncheon 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 Legion Post 51 Commander Mark Shepherd.

The gun salute by the Honor Guard will follow before the playing of taps and the folding of the flag, to be presented to the mayor.

The Honor Guard will then hoist the flag and fly it at half-mast.