The Memorial Day weekend is always a highly
celebrated holiday, not only because it kicks off many summer festivities,
family reunions, and celebrations, but because it’s an opportunity to pay
tribute and give thanks to all the members of the Armed Services who have
ensured our freedom, the peace we enjoy, and the fun we will have this summer.
As
one of the largest Army bases in the country, and certainly one of the most
recognized military installations in the Midwest, Fort Leonard Wood, and
thousands of soldiers, and members of the Armed Forces stationed there are less
than 30 miles west of Rolla on Interstate 44. The number of partnerships and
friendships among Missouri University of Science and Technology and Fort
Leonard Wood, the Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce, Phelps For the Fort, and the
City of Rolla is a testament to how important the Fort Leonard Wood
installation is to Rolla and this region. Numerous military families from Fort
Leonard Wood reside in Rolla and Phelps County, and many more attend schools
and colleges, and spend time shopping, dining, and relaxing in the Rolla area.
And while we give thanks every day for the sacrifices these men and woman of
the Armed Forces make for the freedoms we enjoy, Memorial Day, Monday, May 28
is an opportunity to focus on these unique individuals and the contributions
they make toward our nation’s security and freedom.
If
you haven’t already made plans for Monday, Memorial Day, please consider
spending about an hour attending the Memorial Day Services that will be held at
10 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, located on Southview Drive just off Hwy. 72.
The service is open to the public, and provides a great opportunity to pay
tribute and homage to the millions of brave men and woman who, throughout the
years, have protected our nation in time of war and peace.
Coordinated
by the staff at the Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce, the services will feature
guest speaker Sergeant First Class Cary R. Davis who is appropriately stationed
at Fort Leonard Wood. Area organizations, service clubs and municipalities will
be presenting a memorial wreath during the program. Seating will be limited so
if you need seating for this event, please bring a backup chair.
In
closing I’d like to mention that Rolla City Hall will be closed Monday, May 28
in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. The Centre, Rolla’s Health and
Recreation Complex, will be open Memorial Day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. SplashZone,
Rolla’s outdoor water park, will be open from 12-noon to 5 p.m. The City’s
Environmental Services Department will also be closed on Monday, May 28 in
observance of Memorial Day. Monday’s trash will be picked up on Tuesday, and
Tuesday’s trash will be picked up on Wednesday. There will be no special pick
ups on Wednesday. For more information, please call 426-6948 or visit the
City’s Website at www.rollacity.org.
Enjoy the Memorial Day weekend and a safe week. I hope to see you at
Summerfest next Friday, June 1 and Saturday, June 2.
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