The Ames Patriotic Council is set to host its annual Memorial Day parade and ceremony, inviting the community to gather in remembrance of those who died in service to the nation. Retired U.S. Army Col. Reggie Richardson is the featured speaker.
The parade will step off at 10:15 a.m. Monday, May 25, from City Hall, travel north on Clark Avenue and turn east on Ninth Street before concluding at the Ames Municipal Cemetery. The ceremony will begin at 11 a.m.
Featured speaker Reggie Richardson has deep military experience
Retired U.S. Army Col. Reggie Richardson rose from a private first class in 1986 to the rank of colonel during a 35‑year military career.
Originally from Chicago, Richardson earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Iowa State University and completed advanced military education, including the U.S. Army War College.
His service included assignments in Wiesbaden, Germany, and Kabul, Afghanistan, as well as posts in Des Moines, New Orleans and Belton, Missouri. He retired in 2021 and now serves on the Iowa Commission for Veterans Affairs. He lives in Ames with his wife, Michele.
Any veteran or community member who wishes to walk or ride in the parade is welcome. Participants should gather at 9:45 a.m. in the parking lot west of City Hall and along Fifth Street. The Patriotic Council asks parade participants to refrain from distributing candy or promotional materials, in keeping with the day’s solemn nature.
Memorial Day ceremony to include music, readings and honors
At the cemetery, Ames Mayor John Haila will offer a welcome from the city, followed by greetings from American Legion Post 37 Commander Cliff Barker. Ames Patriotic Council president Tim Gartin will introduce the program.
A color guard from the Des Moines Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol will present the colors. The Ames Municipal Band, directed by Mike Golemo, will perform, and Jim DeHoet will sing.
Student Avary Jones will share a patriotic reading. The names of local veterans interred since last Memorial Day will be read, followed by a salute from the American Legion Honor Guard.
Memorial Day rain plan, livestream options and afternoon events
If it rains, the parade will be canceled and the ceremony will move indoors to the Ames Municipal Auditorium at 11 a.m.
The program will also be available live at youtube.com/AmesTelevision and facebook.com/AmesPatrioticCouncil.
American Legion Post 37 will host lunch at 225 Main St after the ceremony. The Legion Honor Guard will then render honors at the Ontario Cemetery at 1 p.m. and at the Story Memorial Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.
Ronna Faaborg covers business and the arts for the Ames Tribune. Reach her at rfaaborg@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Here’s what’s happening during Ames’ annual Memorial Day ceremony
Reporting by Ronna Faaborg, Ames Tribune / Ames Tribune
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