Memorial Day observed around Worth County Monday

This Monday, people throughout the nation will honor those who gave their lives serving their country. Several area communities will hold their own Memorial Day services this Monday.
Government offices and most businesses will close on Monday to allow family and friends to gather to honor the memory of their loved ones.
• In Northwood, Memorial Day services begin at 11 a.m. at the Sunset Rest Cemetery.
Musicians from the Northwood-Kensett High School band, directed by instructor Jared Barnes, will provide patriotic music. The VFW Color Guard will provide military honors.
The speaker of the ceremony will be Pastor Becky Sogge of First Lutheran Church in Northwood.
In case of rain, the observance will be held at the N-K High School.
• Memorial Day services conducted by the VFW Color Guard will be held at the State Line Cemetery north of Northwood at 9 a.m.
In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at the Shell Rock Community Center in Gordonsville.
• Memorial Day ceremonies will be held in the Kensett Community Center beginning at 9 a.m.
Pastor Mark Walker will give the Memorial Day address, as well as the invocation and benediction. N-K students MacKensy Tomlinson and Weston Willand will recite passages at the ceremony. The Northwood-Kensett band will provide music throughout the ceremony. A Salute to the Dead will be provided by the local Honor Guard. Also speaking at the ceremony will include Herb Thompson, opening and closing the ceremony, as well as giving a tribute to deceased veterans.
Refreshments will be
served afterwards by the Kensett Library Board.
• Memorial Day services in Manly will begin at the city park at 8:30 a.m. for those assembling to parade to the Manly Cemetery, for the Memorial Day services, which begin at 9 a.m.
The Central Springs band, directed by Cole Younger, will perform “The Star Spangled Banner” and “America the Beautiful.”
The Memorial Address will be given by Steve Merrel, a member of the Edward Tosel American Legion Post 110 in Manly.
The American Legion Auxiliary will provide the decoration of the cannon. Crosses recognizing recently deceased veterans will also be in place.
The American Legion Honor Guard will provide a salute to the dead.
• Memorial Day services will be held at the Grafton Cemetery, beginning at 10 a.m.
Participating will be the American Legion Honor Guard and the St. Ansgar Middle School band.  Post Commander Philip Hackbart will lead the service. The opening scripture and prayer will be led by Mark Borchardt. Sheila Lundon will provide special music.
This year’s speaker will be Kelsie Willert, a native of nearby Bolan and the daughter of Lori and Scott Willert.  She graduated from St. Ansgar High School, went on to NIACC and Grand View University in Des Moines, where she earned a degree in history and played basketball.  Kelsie went on to pursue a Graduate degree from UNI in Public History. She currently resides in Des Moines, where she gives tours at the Iowa State Capitol.
In case of rain, the services will be held at the Grafton Community Center.
• A Memorial Day Lunch will be served at Silver Lake Lutheran Church, 705 Silver Lake Road, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The meal will include beef burgers, potato salad, pies, desserts, coffee, water and lemonade.
• Sion Lutheran Church will host a Memorial Day dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., serving escalloped potatoes and ham, beans, salads, desserts, coffee and lemonade. The cost is $10 per adult or $5 per child, with 2 and under free.
• Elk Creek Lutheran Church will hold a dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The menu includes scalloped potatoes and ham, baked beans, salads and bars for a free will donation.