NORWICH — Commander David Lawton, Lt. Warren E. Eaton, DSC, American Legion Post 189 - Norwich, NY, has announced the Memorial Day services for Monday, May 27 to honor deceased US military service members and others from all wars.

There will not be a parade this year. The Memorial Day services will commence at 11 a.m. in West Park, located in the center of the City of Norwich, in which the Chenango Court House is located. Services will be conducted in front of the WWII Monument.

This year's program will include a guest speaker and a tribute to deceased veterans who have passed since Memorial Day 2023. The presentation of wreaths by personnel from veteran and civic organizations is to honor deceased US military service members, veterans, law enforcement, and first responders. The veterans' color guard unit will provide a live firearms salute, to be followed by the Echo Taps.

This year's guest speaker is Reuben J. Roach, Chief of Police for the City of Norwich, a 1997 graduate of Norwich High School, whose father was a former police officer in Norwich.

Participants and attendees will include New York State Unified Court and law enforcement departments; Chenango County administrative and law enforcement departments; the City of Norwich administrative, police, and fire departments; the American Legion Post 189 and Auxiliary; Sons of the American Legion; American Legion Riders; VFW Post 2782 and Auxiliary; Patriot Guard Riders; disabled and senior veterans; boy scouts; cub scouts; girl scouts; and brownies. The Echo Taps is to be played by trumpeters representing Norwich High School.

Following the conclusion of the Memorial Day services, the Honor Guards from the American Legion and VFW Posts will conduct military services at the Mount Hope and St. Paul's Cemeteries for veterans buried there. A floating wreath will be placed in the Canasawacta Creek, in memory of those lost at sea.

The American Legion will host a light lunch and refreshments at the Legion Home, located at 29 Sheldon Street in Norwich. The respectful disposal of unserviceable American and state flags will be conducted at a future date.

-Information from the American Legion Post 189