Bluffton's traditional Memorial Day parade and ceremony at Maple Grove Cemetery takes place Monday, May 27, according to John Wagner, commander of the Bluffton American Legion Post 382.

The parade starts at the Bluffton town hall at 9:30 a.m. Those who would like to participate in the parade are asked to be at the town hall at 9:15 a.m.

The Bluffton American Legion Post # 382 Honor Guard will lead the parade followed by the Bluffton High School Band.

Wagner said, "We ask that all citizens please remove their caps to show respect for the American flag."

The parade will march along Main Street to Grove Street and then to Maple Grove Cemetery, where the ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. Guest speaker for the memorial ceremony is Richard Potter, a United States Marine Corps veteran and a pastor at the Ebenezer Mennonite Church, Bluffton.

In event of rain, the ceremony will be held at the Bluffton Middle School.

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. We hope many citizens of Bluffton will join us in remembering those who died for our Freedom,” said Wagner.

“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 added.

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 available

After the Memorial Day ceremonies, The Bluffton American Legion Post # 382, will serve Harlan’s barbecue chicken dinners at the Citizens National Bank Parking lot from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

Tickets for this event will be on sale at the farmers' market Saturday, May 25, and from Post members.