Memorial Day, which falls on May 25 this year, is for honoring military members who have died. (Photo courtesy of Chad Madden)

ESCANABA — With Memorial Day fast approaching, ceremonies and festivities for the holiday are planned for Monday.

The main celebration in the area takes place on Monday the 25th in Rapid River, where a parade on Main Street at noon is followed by activities in Masonville Township Park that include a kickball tournament, music, a beer garden, corn hole and more.

Those lighthearted activities follow the morning ceremonies honoring fallen military personnel. The public is welcome to attend services.

The Walter W. Cole Post 301 from Rapid River will hold memorial services in the following locations: Ogontz at 8 a.m.; Isabella/Moss Lake at 8:40 a.m.; Nahma Veterans Memorial at 9:10 a.m.; Stonington Lakewood at 10:10 a.m.; and Rapid River at 11:15 a.m.

In Escanaba, the Delta County Veterans Council is organizing observances for Holy Cross Cemetery at 9 a.m., Lakeview Cemetery around 9:25 a.m., the Ludington Park Veterans Memorial at 9:55 a.m and the Aronson Island Bridge at 10:25 a.m. Their final ceremony at Gardens of Rest Memorial Park is scheduled for 11 a.m. and will include a playing of “Taps,” a speech from an honored guest, bagpipe player and more. Refreshments will be served after the ceremony.

The Perkins American Legion Post 540 will also be holding ceremonies on Monday, May 25. The first will be at the St. Nicholas cemetery on 31st Road at 10 a.m. Another will follow at the Perkins Cemetery on 30th Lane at 11 a.m.

Post 540’s activities conclude with a small lunch at American Legion hall at 5819 State Hwy M35 in Perkins. In case of inclement weather, Memorial Day events for Post 540 of Perkins will take place indoors at the Legion Hall.

In Gladstone, August Mattson American Legion Post 71 will hold a 10 a.m. ceremony at Fernwood Cemetery. Afterwards, around 11 a.m., Post 71 will proceed to the Gladstone Yacht Club, where they will perform a ceremony to honor all those lost at sea.

The Gladstone post is seeking help from Scouts to raise and lower the 10 to 12 flags. For more information, people may contact Post 71 Commander Sandy Valdezate at 702-340-5677.

The Daily Press intends to publish the list of Memorial Day events again before the holiday, but realize information may be missing. Please contact rbranstrom@dailypress.net or 906-786-2021 ext. 140 with additional details and other area ceremonies.