OXFORD – Memorial Day has become the most important day of recognition of our armed forces. On this Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, many homes and businesses along the parade route will be decorated with American flags and red, white and blue flowers to honor veterans and active service personnel who have served or have given their lives. Several activities -including five memorial services and a parade- will take place in Oxford beginning at 8 a.m.

The Oxford American Legion’s Fort Hill Post will begin the day at 8 a.m. with the wreath laying ceremony and rifle salute at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery on West State Street.

Following that, at 9 a.m., the parade will line up at the Oxford American Legion Post # 376, at 17 South Washington Avenue. The parade, beginning at 9:30 a.m., will be led by the Post # 376 Color Guard and Rifle Squad, Legionnaires, Sons of the American Legion (SAL’s), and the Auxiliary. As always, the parade will feature the Village of Oxford Fire Department, The Fire Department Explorers, and the Fire Dept. Auxiliary. In addition, the Brisben Volunteer Fire Department will have one fire truck following the Oxford Fire Dept. As always, the parade will feature the Oxford Academy and Central High School’s, ‘Pride of the Valley,’ the Blackhawk Marching Band. The band will be followed by marching Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, the Daisy Troop and 4-H members.