Memorial Day kicks off summer in Ozarks

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.