MAY 19 MEDIA RELEASE__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 invite citizens of Bluffton and surrounding communities to join us in remembering those who died for our Freedom.”

The Bluffton, Ohio Memorial Day Parade will be Monday May 26, 2025. The parade forms at 9:15 a.m. and moves out at 9:30 am. A ceremony at Maple Grove Cemetery will begin at 10:00 a.m. The Legion asks that those who wish to be in the parade refrain from throwing candy to the crowd. Citizens are reminded to please remove their hats as the American flag passes. 

MEMORIAL DAY SERVICE
The ceremony will feature Navy SEAL LCDR Daniel R. Kobza, USN (Ret). Kobza was born and raised in Naples, FL. He attended the United States Naval Academy, graduating in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in Ocean Engineering. Daniel was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy and was immediately assigned to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL.

After the Memorial Day ceremonies, the Bluffton Legion will be holding its Annual Chicken BBQ in the Citizens National Bank parking lot on Main Street from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Meals are $10.00 Tickets may be purchased from Legion members and at the Bluffton Farmers Market on May 24.

In case of bad weather, the Memorial Day ceremonies will be held in the Bluffton Middle School, 116 S. Jackson St.