Memorial Day events to honor veterans

Hamilton County locals are invited to attend Memorial Day events throughout the area on Monday to honor veterans who died while enlisted in the United States military.
The Aurora American Legion Post 42 and Aurora VFW Post 4993 will conduct services at five locations, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Mamre Cemetery and concluding at the Farmer’s Valley Cemetery. 
The community is invited to participate in the flags being raised at the Aurora Cemetery at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday. The flags will be retired on Monday at 5 p.m. following the conclusion of all Memorial Day services. 
All services will begin with words offered by Commander David Owen followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The invocation is offered followed by a placing of the wreath by American Legion and VFW Auxiliary members.
Each ceremony will close out with a firing squad giving 21-gun salutes to fallen veterans, followed by Byron Paschke playing Taps. 
The Mamre Church service will begin at 8:30 a.m. with Pastor John McKinney giving the invocation and benediction, with a member of the church then giving a roll call of the deceased. 
At 9 a.m. services will begin at the Kronborg Cemetery. Invocation and benediction will be by Pastor Richardo Riqueza. The roll call of the deceased will be presented by a member of the church.
Memorial Day services continue at Aurora Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. with advancement of the colors presented by the Boy Scouts of America Troop 28 and Scoutmasters Chris Bender and Penny Evans. The community band will start playing patriotic songs at 10:15 a.m. and perform the National Anthem. 
After the wreath laying, American Legion Commander David Owen will present the address. Pastor Rudy Flores will give the invocation and benediction. Al Vetter, Ron Elge and Mike Powell will give the roll call of the deceased.
Service will transfer to the Stockham Cemetery at 11:45 a.m. where invocation and benediction will be presented by Pastor Rick Bartek. Berdon Kliewer will give a roll call of the deceased. 
The Farmer’s Valley Cemetery will begin its service at 12:15 p.m. with Pastor Bartek giving the invocation and benediction and roll call of deceased by Larry Carlson. The day will conclude at 5 p.m. when the flags are retired at the Aurora Cemetery. The community is invited to join.

Hampton
Hampton will begin its Memorial Day service at 10:30 a.m. with Cavett Klute, a specialist in the Nebraska Army National Guard, bringing this year’s message. Lofton Ferguson will read the Gettysburg Address.
The Ladies of the Auxiliary will serve lunch at the Fire Barn. All veterans and active military personnel will eat free and the public is encouraged to join.

Farmer’s Valley 
The Memorial Day events will begin around 12:15 p.m., with a 21-gun salute be by the Aurora American Legion will conclude the ceremony, honoring the many veterans buried at the cemetery.
At the conclusion of the service, tables will be set up to enjoy food brought in for the potluck. Everyone is invited to join in the celebration by bringing some home cooking to share, along with their own table service, blankets, chairs or card tables. Electricity will be available for hot food. Following the potluck, there will be time to share stories and visit with members of the Farmer’s Valley Cemetery Association. 
Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy this celebration. Just drive two miles west from the town of Henderson and turn south on “Y” Road. After crossing the Big Blue River, turn west on Farmer’s Valley Road, which will lead to the cemetery. If traveling from Sutton, head north out of town on the blacktop “X” Road. After following the curve to the east, turn north on “Y” Road, which will lead to Farmer’s Valley Road. 
Please join in this celebration to remember those who served their country well, and make sure to experience and enjoy the beauty of Farmer’s Valley Cemetery. The book Memories of Farmer’s Valley will be available for purchase.