PAW PAW – Paw Paw’s 102nd annual Memorial Day service, under the auspices of the American Legion McGowan-Johnson Post 68, Paw Paw, will be held Monday, May 30, with the annual parade stepping off at 10 a.m. from the 120 Taphouse & Bistro parking lot, via Michigan Avenue to the Maple City Veterans’ Memorial Park for services.
This year’s parade marshal will be Paw Paw Volunteer Fireman Ronald Douglas, Sr. Guest speaker will be David N. Krzycki, Van Buren County Veterans Service director. The Paw Paw High School Marching Band will also perform, under the direction of Amy Gronda, band director.
Area World War II veterans will be honored during the service with a roll call. Those WWII veterans attending are asked to arrive early and report to the memorial park speaker’s stand so that that they can be introduced during the service.
Following the service, a luncheon will be served at the American Legion Hall on Niles Street.
Decorating of the area cemeteries (Almena, Antwerp, Waverly and Paw Paw townships) with flags have begun. If a grave is missing a flag holder or flag, individuals may contact Bob Adams at (269) 217-5765. Individuals will be asked to give a location of the grave in the cemetery and the name on the marker. If a veteran’s marker through the VA needs to be ordered, Adams will be able to assist in that service. Individuals will have to supply a discharge to order a marker.
Gobles – Gobles will hold a Memorial Day parade at 9 a.m., Monday, May 30, that will travel down State Street (M-40). Lineup will begin at the Gobles High School parking lot.
Lawrence – Lawrence will hold a Memorial Day parade at 10 a.m., Monday, May 30, with a service to follow at the Lawrence Village Park. Over 1,000 luminaries, representing Lawrence area military veterans, will be on display at Hill Cemetery, Lawrence, at approximately 8 p.m.
Lawton – Lawton will hold a Memorial Day parade, Monday, May 30, at 10 a.m., with parade lineup at 9 a.m. A service will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. Following the service, a barbecue will be held at the Lawton Fire Hall.
Mattawan – Mattawan Boy Scout Troop 161 will hold a pancake breakfast at the Mattawan Fire District Hall, beginning at 8 a.m. A Memorial Day service will be held at Mattawan Memorial Park at 11 a.m.