On Saturday, May 23, The American Legion Post 202 will hold its annual Memorial Day observance at The Liberty and Peace Monument, at the intersection of Main Street at Schoolhouse and Hanover roads.

The observance will begin promptly at 5 pm with the playing of “Taps” by a Newtown High School Band student.

Limited parking will be available along Main Street. Additional parking is also available in front and behind Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street (south of the monument).

Music will be performed by the Newtown High School Tri-M Club under the direction of Newtown High School Band Director Elizabeth Dandeneau. Music will also include the “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “America the Beautiful,” “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

Opening remarks will be given by Tara Carr, American Legion Post 202 Adjutant (US Army Lieutenant Colonel, Retired). Members of the American Legion Family also planning to participate in the ceremony are James O. Gaston, Esq; State Representative Martin Foncello Jr (Lieutenant Colonel US Army, Retired), State Representative Mitch Bolinsky, Barbara R. Carlson, Carol Yanosy, Donald Ramsey, and Newtown First Selectman Bruce Walczak.

Poppies will be given out by Junior members of the American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion including Annabella Carr, Angelina Carr, Gabriella Payne, and Allison Daniels, among others.

American Legion Post 202 is offering luminaries for a $5 donation. Luminaries can be dedicated to a veteran or a loved one, for example, “In Memory of SSG John Smith, US Army, WWII” or with a message such as “Thank you for your Service.”

They are also available at the Newtown Building Department, within Newtown Municipal Center at 3 Primrose Street, weekdays between 8 am-4 pm. See Mary Pendergast; payment is cash or check.

Luminaries will be available at pop-up locations around town on weekends prior to Memorial Day. They can also be requested via email at AmericanLegionNewtown@gmail.com or adjutantctpost202@gmail.com. Luminaries will be lit each evening throughout the duration of Memorial Day weekend with the first lighting on Saturday after the ceremony.

Proceeds will support American Legion programs in the community.

All are invited to attend the observance. Attendees do not need to be related to someone in the military to express thanks for those who gave all for this country. Organizers promise it will be a beautiful ceremony to memorialize all service members throughout the 250 years of this great nation.