Grafton will mark Memorial Day with parade, program

Memorial Day in Grafton will be celebrated Monday, May 25, beginning with a parade from the Rose-Harms American Legion Hall to Veterans Park.

The parade will step off at 10:30 a.m. and head to the park.

At the park, Legion Commander Gary Gilstrap will introduce dignitaries and serve as the master of ceremonies.

The Grafton High School and John Long Middle School bands will perform.

Then First Vice Commander Ken Kasprzak will read the names of Legion members who have died in the past year and whose names are newly inscribed on the park monument.

As their names are read, members of the Sons of the Legion will hang oversized dog tags on poles along the riverwalk.

The dog tags will remain on the poles for the next year.

A bagpiper will perform “Amazing Grace,” after which the honor guard will make its way to the monument, where Auxiliary President Kelly Rieck and the poppy princess will lay a memorial wreath.

Following a rifle salute by the honor guard, taps will be played.

  The community is then invited to the Rose-Harms American Legion Hall for a free lunch served by the Auxiliary.