A tradition dating back to 1868 continues to bring veterans and families together across the nation and in Bluffton. The tradition, originally called Decoration Day and now known as Memorial Day, is decorating the graves of America’s war dead.

In Bluffton, the members of American Legion Post #382 understand the bond and tradition: “We invite citizens of Bluffton and surrounding communities to join us in remembering those who died for our Freedom.”

A Memorial Day Parade will start from the Bluffton Town Hall. All who wish to participate, should be at the Town Hall, 154 N. Main St., by 9:15 a.m.

The parade will start at 9:30 a.m. As the parade proceeds to Maple Grove Cemetery, north of Columbus Grove Road and west of Bentley, the Legion asks as the American flag passes, that men please remove their hats in respect.

Guest speaker for the Memorial Day ceremony will be Retired Colonel Larry Ruggley, a native of Bluffton.

In the event of bad weather, the Memorial Day Ceremonies will be held in the Bluffton Middle School at 116 S. Jackson St. Bluffton, Ohio.

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

CONTINUES WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THE GUEST SPEAKER

Retired Colonel Larry Ruggley began his military career in 1971 when he enlisted in the Army and served in the Army Security Agency, being Honorably Discharged in 1973, after which he attended Lima Technical College and Ohio University.

Ruggley enrolled in ROTC and graduated from the Army Ranger School during the summer of 1977 and was selected as the Distinguished Military Graduate from Ohio University receiving a Regular Army Commission in the Infantry in 1978.

Colonel Rugdley served in many assignments around the world including the Berlin Brigade, with the 4th Battalion, 6th Infantry. Larry also attended the Special Forces Qualification Course 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), Ft Bragg, NC.

Upon promotion to Lieutenant Colonel, he served as the J1 Special Operations Command in Europe. Colonel Ruggley was then selected to be the Garrison Commander at Fort Campbell, Ky home of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), 5th Special Forces Group.

During his 3-year tenure he oversaw support during a tumultuous time for the 101st Airborne Division as they redeployed from war, transformed and redeployed to Iraq the following year.

Colonel Ruggley retired from the United States Army in 2006 after over 31 years of service and resides with his wife of 44 years on a small farm near Butler, Kentucky.