Memorial Day in Waterloo

The annual Memorial Day service in Waterloo takes place at 11 a.m. Monday, May 30, on the Monroe County Courthouse grounds.

The keynote speaker this year is Major Timothy E. Petrov. His deployments include two rotations to U.S. Central Command, where he was awarded the Air Medal for combat missions over Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as a deployment to Baghdad, Iraq, were he supported the U.S. Army during Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn. Petrov currently serves as Deputy Chief of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance assigned to the 618th Air Operations Center at Scott Air Force Base. Petrov has lived in Waterloo since December 2018.

The Waterloo VFW, Waterloo American Legion, City of Waterloo, Waterloo Municipal Band and Kaskaskia Trai; Chorus will participate in the ceremony.

The public is invited to attend.

Memorial Day in Columbia

Columbia American Legion Post 581 hosts its annual Memorial Day program inside the legion hall starting at 11 a.m. Monday, May 30, paying special tribute to the 58,200 military lives lost in the Vietnam War.

The keynote speaker will be longtime Columbia Alderman Mary Ellen Niemietz.

Music will be provided by the Belleville Community Band.

The annual placing of the wreath at the Doughboy Monument wil conclude the service, which is open to the public.

Memorial Day in Valmeyer

Valmeyer American Legion Post 901 hosts its annual Memorial Day service honoring deceased post members and those service members who’ve given the ultimate sacrifice in defending freedom this Monday, May 30, at 10 a.m. on the Post 901 grounds.

The keynote speaker will be Monroe County Board Chairman Dennis Knobloch, who served as Monroe County clerk and recorder for 21 years. One of his most notable accomplishments was spearheading the relocation of Old Valmeyer to New Valmeyer after the Flood of 1993.  He has written four history books.

A light buffet will follow the service.  The public is invited to attend.