Bluffton's Memorial Day observation includes its traditional parade and ceremony at Maple Grove Cemetary.

Here's this year's schedule:
• Parade line up at 9:15 a.m. at town hall
• Parade starts at 9:30 a.m.
• Program at Maple Grove at 10 a.m.
• Chicken barbecue, CNB parking lot, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 
   (Persons are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance. Tickets are on sale at the Bluffton Farmers' Market on May 24 or from any Legion member.)

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

The parade route is Main to Grove and to the cemetary.

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

Guest speaker for the memorial ceremony is Lawrence A Huffman, a United States Marine Corps veteran, associated with Huffman, Kelley, Brock & Gottschalk, law firm, Lima. 

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

Morrison said that families are encouraged to decorate their bicycles and ride them in the parade. Janette Reineke and Nancy Yeager are the coordinators of this part of the parade.

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 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,” said Morrison

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.

The Legion will serve Harlan’s Barbecue Chicken dinners at the Citizens National Bank parking lot from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.