FRANKLIN
Traditionally the unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day is also a day to remember those men and women who have died to protect our country. Several communities throughout Western Tidewater have scheduled events in observance of the holiday over the next two weekends.

• The Town of Ivor will celebrate its community Memorial Day service at 4 p.m. today, May 22, in the Ivor Cemetery. Music will be provided by the Newsome’s Family Band, and the guest speaker will be David Barlow. In case of rain, the service will be held in the Ivor Municipal Building.

• Sedley will also host a service today at 3 p.m. in the town cemetery. The Rev. Jim Foreman, pastor of Sedley Baptist Church, will be the guest speaker. In case of rain, the service will be at the Sedley Baptist Church.

• Next Sunday, May 29, the Town of Newsoms will observe a Memorial Day service at 3 p.m. in the Hollywood Cemetery. The Rev. Armand Jalbert will be the guest speaker. Music will be provided by soloist Naoko Jalbert and Linda Drake. “Taps” will be played by trumpet player Chris Jernigan of Murfreesboro, North Carolina. In case of rain, the event will be held in the Newsoms Baptist Church.

• Five events are scheduled for Monday, May 30, including Drewryville. There, David Everett, associate pastor at Capron United Methodist Church, will speak to those gathered at the Drewryville Cemetery at 3 p.m. In case of rain, the service will be held at Thomas Memorial Baptist Church. Those who attend are asked to bring a lawn chair.

The Southview Cemetery in Franklin will host a Memorial Day service at 10 a.m. Rev. Kenneth Hawthorne will be the guest speaker. Refreshments will be served.

The Woman’s Club of Windsor will have its annual “Moment of Remembrance” at 3 p.m. in the Windsor Cemetery. The Rev. Basil Ballard, retired Army chaplain, will share remarks. Windsor Boy Scout Troop 41 will assist by placing and removing the flags.

Veterans Foreign War Post 4411 will celebrate the holiday at noon at 3385 Beaver Dam Road in Franklin. Sgt. Jayton Patterson will honor those who have given their all to keep our country free. There will be free food and drinks, a bounce house for kids and cornhole for adults.

Lastly, the Charles R. Younts American Legion Post 733 will sponsor a service at the Poplar Springs Cemetery at 1 p.m. Guest speaker will be Michelle Thornton, district captain with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary of Hampton Roads. In case of rain, the service will be held at the American Legion Auxiliary, 935 Armory Drive in Franklin.