Scaled-back Memorial Day services slated for Monday, May 25

   Due to COVID-19, area communities have either cancelled or will be holding scaled back Memorial Day services. Following is an overview: 
Montezuma
   The Montezuma American Legion Post 169 will be conducting a modified Memorial Day service with no public speaker, no boys’ or girls’ state representatives or members of the Montezuma Marching Band. Chaplin Boyd Sparks will give a prayer and the ladies from the American Legion Auxiliary will place a wreath on the grave of the unknown soldier followed by a three volley salute and taps. The event will take place at 10 a.m. at the Masonic IOOF Cemetery.
   On Friday, May 22, at 3 p.m. veterans and volunteers will be placing flags on the Montezuma Square, at the cemeteries and on veterans’ graves.
Brooklyn & Malcom
   Memorial Day Services in these two communities have been cancelled.
Slack-Light, Dresden, Guernsey and Deep River
   The Deep River Morrison Schrader Post 296 of the American Legion is hosting a scaled back version of the tradition Memorial Day services at four area cemeteries on Monday, May 25. The day will begin at 9 a.m. at Slack-Light Cemetery. Dresden Cemetery is the next stop at 9:30 a.m., followed by Guernsey at 10 a.m.The Deep River service will be held at Golden Rod Cemetery (Community Center if bad weather) beginning at 11 a.m.
   Attendees are asked to practice social distancing guidelines. The services will consist of the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, prayer, Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, In Flanders Field, Salute to departed comrades, Memorial Day poem and Taps.
   “We are not looking for a crowd, just letting everyone know we are saluting our Comrades,” noted Ed Evans with the Legion. “No speeches, just a service, salute and taps.”
Set out Poppies will take place on Friday, May 22 at 2 p.m., followed by the Avenue of Flags at 3 p.m.
Grinnell
   The Grinnell VFW Post 3932 and the Grinnell American Legion Post 53 are hosting a Memorial Day service that will be shown through social media. It should be available on Facebook and other social media outlets on Memorial Day.
  “We are trying to be responsible and make sure we can still have a ceremony for the people to commemorate this day,” Rich Jacoby, Grinnell VFW Post 3932.
     Terry Stringfellow is the commander of the Grinnell American Legion Post 53.
Victor
     The Victor American Legion Post 54 is hosting a Memorial Day service at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 25 at the Victor Memorial Cemetery with the laying of the wreath to the tomb of unknown soldier, the three volley salute and taps. There will be no service at the Legion Hall.