LAURINBURG — The Scotland County Veterans Council will hold its annual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday.
The ceremony will begin at 5 p.m. at Hillside Memorial Park on U. S. 401 bypass.
State Rep. Garland Pierce of Wagram will be the keynote speaker.
Jimmy Bennett, president of the veterans council, said the ceremony usually lasts for an hour. In case of rain, the ceremony will move to the American Legion building on Atkinson Street.
“We invite everyone to come out and participate in our program,” he said. “It is to honor all military personnel who died serving our country.”
Benita Mullis will perform the national anthem. The Laurinburg Police Department’s Honor Guard will present and retire the colors, a 21-gun salute will be offered by the American Legion 10th District Ritual Team and Ulyses Thomas will play Taps.
Prayers for the troops will be offered by the Rev. Michael Malpass of New Hope Baptist Church. Jerry Weinreis will present floral tributes to those veterans buried in the cemetery.
The patriotic day began as Decoration Day, an occasion to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War. The holiday was renamed near the end of World War II.
Bennett said the program has been held for approximately 30 years. It used to be held at the Laurinburg-Maxton Airbase but was moved to Hillside Memorial Park in the hopes of drawing greater attendance.