Memorial Day services will be observed in Alexandria, Monday, May 27, at the Alexandria National Cemetery. On Saturday, May 25, beginning at 9 a.m., members of VFW Post 609 and its Ladies Auxiliary, aided by members of American Legion Post 24 of Alexandria and volunteers from the Alexandria Sheriff's Department and Fire Department, will place flags on the more than 5,000 graves in the cemetery. The National Cemetery was founded during the Civil war and was the first National Cemetery in the Commonwealth and the country.
Memorial Day services will begin at 9 a.m., on Monday wit h members of National Sojourners, Arlington Hall Chapter No. 440, in full Revolutionary War military dress, honoring the nation's war dead. Keynote speaker will be Stewart Wilson Miner, Masonic Past Grand Master.
Cpl. Gregory Duncan-Peters of the City of Alexandria Pipes and Drums will play Amazing Grace on the bagpipes. The Toast to the Flag will be recited by 10-year-old Adam Hayes of boy Scout Troop 875 Sleepy Hollow, his nine-year-old brother Jason, of Cub Scout Pack 858 Sleepy Hollow will sing You're A Grand Old Flag, and Jeffrey Hayes, father of the Scouts, will lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
Lt. Col. William G.L. Turner, USAF (retired) will perform Taps, accompanied by drummer Col. Jack Whisler, USA (retired).
AMERICAN LEGION POST 24 will then hold services beginning at 11 a.m., with the keynote address given by Col., Brarry Cox, USA/National Guard. Mayor Kerry Donley and members of City Council have been invited to attend. Members of the TC Williams High School ROTC program will present the colors.