The American Legion Posts 9 and 97 are inviting the community to gather in remembrance this Memorial Day at a ceremony in Florence.

The event will take place on Monday, May 25, 2026, at 7:30 a.m. at Florence Memorial Park Cemetery, located at 300 Salazar Street.

The ceremony is intended to honor the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who lost their lives in service to the country. Organizers say the annual observance serves as a time for reflection and recognition of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The program will include several traditional elements of a Memorial Day observance, including:

• Posting of the Colors by the American Legion Color Guard
• National Anthem
• Invocation
• Welcome remarks
• A brief history of Memorial Day
• Wreath laying ceremony
• Community tribute titled "They Are Not Forgotten"
• Taps
• Three-volley rifle salute
• Closing remarks and retirement of the Colors

Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to take part in a hands-on effort to honor veterans laid to rest at the cemetery.

Community volunteers will be asked to:

• Replace worn, faded, or damaged American flags on veterans' graves
• Return old flags so they can be properly retired

Organizers describe the effort as a meaningful way for residents to participate in remembrance beyond the ceremony itself.

The Memorial Day ceremony is open to veterans, families, and all members of the public. Organizers encourage community participation as a way to collectively honor those who gave their lives in military service.

The American Legion, which hosts the event, is a national organization focused on supporting veterans, promoting patriotism, and engaging communities in acts of service and remembrance.