After a one-year absence, Bluffton will observe Memorial Day (Monday, May 31) with an in-person ceremony at the Memorial Circle at Maple Grove, following the traditional parade through the village.

Heather Amstutz Ferrao, daughter of Robert and Beverly Amstutz of Bluffton, is this year’s speaker at Maple Grove.

The parade forms at 9 a.m. at the town hall and moves out at 9:30 a.m. The Maple Grove service is at 10 a.m.

This year’s speaker
Heather received a bachelor’s degree from Northwest Missouri State University and a master’s degree at the Catholic University in Washington, D.C. She graduated from West Platte, Missouri, High School.

She served nearly 12 years in the U.S. Army, including assignments in Panama, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and the Pentagon as an engineer and civil affairs officer. 

She left the Army in 2001 as a Major in order to pursue humanitarian work. In January 2002, she moved to Africa and has spent the last 19 years working in Africa and Asia including assignments in Angola, South Sudan, Sudan, Pakistan, Indonesia, Afghanistan and Somalia.

She is currently based in Nairobi, Kenya, responsible for humanitarian operations across East Africa and the Great Lakes region. Heather is the daughter of Robert and Beverly Amstutz in Bluffton and is married to Neil Ferrao.

Chicken barbecue
Following the Memorial Day ceremonies, the Bluffton American Legion Post will hold its annual Chicken barbecue in the Citizens National Bank parking lot on Main Street from 11:30 a.m. to 1 pm. Tickets are $9 each.

Parade protocol
“We ask those attending services at Maple Grove Cemetery to practice social distancing and wear a mask if you so choose,” said Morrison.

"Those who wish to be in the parade refrain from throwing candy to the crowd. We also ask citizens to remove their hats as the American flag passes.”