Memorial Day is a holiday we as Americans take time to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. There will be several ceremonies to honor those who died in the area on Monday, May 29.

In Waterloo, a ceremony will be held on the Monroe County Courthouse grounds beginning at 11 a.m. There will be speakers, patriotic music, and other traditional remembrances as coordinated by the local VFW and American Legion posts.

In Columbia, a program will be held at American Legion Post 581, 375 E. Locust Street, at 11 a.m. Longtime Columbia Fire Chief Mike Roediger will serve as the featured speaker, and the Belleville Community Band will play musical selections.

Valmeyer will honor the fallen at the American Legion Post 901 grounds, 618 S. Meyer Avenue, at 10 a.m. The featured speaker will be retired Air Force Col. Forrest Keaton of Jacksonville, Ill. Refreshments will be served following the service and all attending are invited.

There will also be a ceremony at 11 a.m. in Dupo at American Legion Prairie Du Pont Post 485, located at 200 S. 5th Street.