Canadian’s annual Memorial Day service will be held at 11 am on Monday, May 26, at Edith Ford Cemetery. As is traditional, the service will be conducted by American Legion Post 56. In the event of inclement weather, the service will be moved to the Jones Pavilion. 

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. 

Locally, the scope of Memorial Day has expanded. It has become customary to remember and honor any veteran who has died and who had a connection to Hemphill County. Though conducted by members of Post 56, this is a community-wide event that could not take place without citizen volunteers.

The focus of the volunteer effort is flag placement and removal at each veteran’s grave. Individual flags will be placed at the Edith Ford Cemetery starting on Sunday, May 25, beginning at 2 pm. The flags will be removed at 5 pm on Monday, May 26. 

Members of Post 56 will hold a rehearsal in the courthouse parking lot prior to the service, beginning at 9:30 on Monday morning. The Honor Guard is under the command of Tommy Wyatt, Post 56 commander. It is not required to be a member of the Post to participate in the service. All veterans are encouraged to attend and assist in honoring our fallen comrades. 

For further information or questions, please contact Jason Bradford at 409.223.3019 or John McGarr at 806.323.2567.