Bluffton will observe Memorial Day on Monday, May 28. The Bluffton American Legion Post 382 will lead a parade from the town hall to Maple Grove Cemetery. Chad Cupples of Bluffton is this year's speaker.

The parade will start at 9 a.m. Persons interested in participating should be at the town hall at 8:45 a.m.

The Bluffton American Legion Post honor guard will lead the parade
followed by the Bluffton High School band.

"We ask that all citizens to please remove their caps to show respect for the American flag," said Dennis Morrison of the Legion Post.

The parade will travel along Main Street to Grove Street and then to Maple Grove Cemetery, where a ceremony will begin at 10 a.m.

This year's speaker is Chad Cupples of Bluffton, son of Jerry and Sonia Cupples.

A tradition, which dates back more than 150 years, continues to bring
veterans and families together in Bluffton. The tradition: decorating the
graves of America's war veterans, known now as Memorial Day.

"The members of Bluffton American Legion Post 382 understand the bond and tradition," said Morrison. "We hope many citizens of Bluffton will join us in remembering those who died for our freedom."

"The veterans we pause to remember on Memorial Day are the patriots who left their homes and families when their country called. They gave the last full measure of devotion in defense of our freedom. We are committed to keeping the memory of their sacrifice alive for generations to come," he said.

Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868, by Gen. John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. It was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery.

Chicken barbecue at 11:30 a.m.
After the Memorial Day ceremonies, The Bluffton American Legion Post 382, will be serving a carryout barbecue chicken dinner at the Citizens National Bank Parking lot from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tickets will be on sale at the Bluffton farmers' market Saturday, May 26, and from post members.