As restrictions loosen and in-person events gradually return in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the communities of Canby and Molalla will be gathering Monday, May 31, to honor our nation’s fallen on Memorial Day.
The Canby American Legion Post 122 is planning a 21-gun salute and taps at St. Patrick Cemetery on New Era Road at 10 a.m. Monday.
The Post will put on a more robust Memorial Day ceremony at 11 a.m. at Zion Memorial Cemetery, 2010 South Township Road, featuring another gun salute, taps and remarks by Canby Mayor Brian Hodson.
The American Legion will host its traditional barbecue lunch immediately afterward at the Post, 424 NW First Ave. in downtown Canby. The menu includes a roasted half-chicken, corn on the cob and all the fixings for $9.
Flags are already flying at veterans’ graves in local cemeteries, the Post confirmed Friday afternoon.
In the afternoon, the Canby/Aurora Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6057 will hold a rededication ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Highway 99E next to Burgerville.
All events are open to the public.
The memorial’s commemorative bell was removed and restored last year by local teen Ansen Lackner for his Eagle Scout project.
The repainted and resealed bell was installed back at the memorial earlier this year.
In neighboring Molalla, the VFW Post 3973 and Auxiliary will be hosting a ceremony at 10 a.m. Memorial Day at Adams Cemetery (located on South Adams Cemetery Road. All are welcome to attend.
Flags will be placed on graves for those that served in the military. If a veteran’s flag is missed, please contact VFW State Commander George Carroll at 503-984-0485 or georgecarroll@molalla.net.