Veterans plan Memorial Day services

Area veterans are planning activities to honor deceased veterans Memorial Day weekend.

On Sunday, veterans will gather at Highland Cemetery to place flags on the graves of veterans.

Les Johnson, commander of Post 11, American Legion in Havre, said anyone is welcome to help the veterans. They just need to show up, he said.

On Monday, the traditional Memorial Day ceremonies will take place at the Hill County Courthouse.

Activities will begin at 11 a.m. when Dena Rudio sings the national anthem.

Boy Scouts will raise the flag, and Commander Randy Martin will lead the honor guard in a 21-gun salute and the playing of taps.

As is tradition, Bill Bilger of the Veterans of Foreign Wars will read the names of area veterans who have died over the last year.

Members of the Legion, the VFW, the auxiliaries and the Elks Club will lay wreaths.

After those services, proceedings will be adjourned to the Havre Elks Club, where a lunch will be served and a speech about the meaning of Memorial Day will be held.

The Missing in Action flag will be draped over a chair as a symbol of those who are not able to attend the ceremonies, Johnson said.

The public is encouraged to attend any of the events, he said.