Community members are invited to gather in Ottumwa on Memorial Day to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
The annual Memorial Day Service will be held Monday, May 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Jimmy Jones Shelter House in Ottumwa Park. The program will feature several local veterans and community leaders taking part in the ceremony.
Jerry Parker will serve as Master of Ceremonies and will also introduce the Honor Guard during the memorial presentation. The program will include the Pledge of Allegiance, an opening prayer by Doug McAntire, and remarks from local veteran organization leaders including American Legion Commander Frank Williams, VFW Commander Doug McAntire, and DAV Chapter 1 Commander Stephen Croft.
Don Lewis will serve as the guest speaker for the event. The ceremony will also include memorial tributes and the playing of TAPS in remembrance of fallen service members. Closing prayer will be offered by Chaplain Doug McAntire.
Following the service, lunch will be served at the American Legion for those attending the program.
