GIRARD
For more than three decades Memorial Day has been celebrated with special events at the Girard Chapel, and after a one-year hiatus in 2020 due to concerns about Covid-19 the commemoration is back for Monday, May 31 at 10 a.m.
According to long-time organizer Alta Gregory, this event has been going on “for more than 30 years, and back in the day the home demonstration ladies were the ones who got it started.”
This year’s event will feature remarks by Nanette Yanez, a retired Marine, plus Margaret Cooper from Abilene will once again play the trumpet. The occasion will be marked with prayers, songs and pledges.
Gregory said anyone who feels more comfortable wearing a mask may do so, but masks will not be required.
After the ceremony attendees will enjoy refreshments, including cookies and brownies, and all are welcome to bring any baked goods.
AFTON
The Afton Cemetery Association will be holding a Memorial Day service on Monday, May 31st, at 10 a.m. at the Afton Cemetery.
Afton Cemetery Association secretary/treasurer Becca Bridge said, “Please join us as we honor the military personnel who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Immediately after the service, we will hold the annual meeting.”
Becky Hodges with Patton Springs schools is looking for helpers to distribute and take up º for the Afton commemoration. She said instructions will be posted inside the Chapel Building. Flag distribution will be Friday, May 28 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and take up will be Monday, June 1 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
ROARING SPRINGS
This year’s Roaring Springs Memorial Day program will be held on May 31 at 10:30 a.m. at Franklin Mitchell Park.
Guest speaker Jeremy Jones is a Motley County graduate who is now a detective with the Lubbock Police Department and a great-nephew of marine and Medal of Honor recipient Franklin Mitchell. Jones has served LPD for 23 years.
The program will include a performance of the national anthem. Local restaurant Taco Q will be selling hamburgers afterward. Veterans are invited to eat for free.
The Memorial Day program is a Roaring Springs tradition that has continued for the past fifteen years. It began under the direction of Alex Crowder, who also started the city’s regular July 4 program.
Past Memorial Day speakers have included Jerry Green, Mike Crowley and Jim Watson.
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