Memorial Day Weekend in Mount Pleasant

There are two volunteer opportunities this weekend in Mount Pleasant and both have to do with flags.  Saturday, May 28, the Henry County Optimist Club could use help put up flags along city streets.  Meet at the U.S. Bank south parking lot at 5:45 am.  At 8 am Saturday the Avenue of Flags, Henry County Veterans Memorial Committee needs volunteers to raise the flags on the court house lawn.  Assistance will also be needed Tuesday, May 31 at 4 pm to retire the Court House display.

The Mount Pleasant Memorial Day observance will be held this year at the Mount Pleasant Middle School on Monday, Memorial Day at 10:30 am.  The event begins with the presentation of the colors by members of the VFW and American Legion Posts and Auxiliaries. Pastor Michael Scudder, pastor of the Faith Lutheran Church, who also served in the United States Air Force, will deliver the Invocation and Benediction.

The MPCHS Band, under the direction of Jim Depriest, will play patriotic music prior tot he beginning of the program and will also pay the National Anthem. Under the direction of Katie Townsend, students from the Mount Pleasant Elementary Schools will present a musical presentation of the Gettysburg Address/Battle Hymn of the Republic.

The  featured speaker this year is Joe Mitchell.

Twenty two names will be engraved that have been added to the memorial since last Veterans Day, which brings the total to 1478 names. The names will be read and the families will be recognized during the service.

Following the Benediction, the Honor Guard will fire a 3 volley salute followed by taps by members of the High School Band.