WATERLOO REMEMBERS SOLDIERS’ SACRIFICES
160th ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY COMMEMORATION

The Birthplace of Memorial Day pauses to remember the sacrifices of those who paid the ultimate price for freedom. The 160th solemn remembrance of Memorial Day in Waterloo will be observed on Saturday May 30 & Sunday 31st.  Memorial Day is always commemorated on May 30 in Waterloo, in keeping with Gen. John A. Logan’s Orders, however the following adjustments have been made this year.  On Saturday May 30th The veterans of Waterloo will assemble at St. Mary’s Cemetery at 10 am and pay tribute to those who gave supreme sacrifice.  We will then proceed to Maple Grove Cemetery for another observance.   From Maple Grove we will go to the (Elisha Williams) Stark Street Cemetery.

Due to the fact that the Waterloo High School bands are not available because they will be competing at The Gorham Pageant of bands on the 30th, they have committed to march with us on Sunday May 31st at 2pm for the usual Memorial Day parade and program in the park. 
Chuck Nightingale, Chaplain

The solemn remembrance will continue Sunday May 31st at 2 p.m. when the military parade steps off from Main and Clark streets, proceeding down Main Street to Lafayette Park where several veterans organizations will participate in the laying of the wreaths at the veterans monuments in the park. The program will include the recitation of the Gettysburg Address and Logan’s Orders by students from Waterloo High School, Speeches by honored dignitaries, the playing of the National Anthem by the high school band, Salute to the Dead gun vollies by the veteran led honor guard and the playing of Taps.

Featured Speaker:
Daniel Kell, Department State
Commander 2023-2025

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2025 Highlights

Prayers and Military Honors at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Maple Grove Cemetery, and Elisha Williams Cemetery. Parade conclusion at Memorial Day Place with Wreath Laying Ceremony followed but Ceremonies in Lafayette Park. Master of Ceremonies: VFW & American Legion Chaplain Chuck Nightingale Posting of Colors: Marion Minutemen Invocation: Father James Fennessy, St. Francis & St. Clare Parish National Anthem: Waterloo High School Band POW-MIA: Past Department Commander Gary Schacker Introduction of Commanders: VFW Commander Allen Covert VFW Auxiliary President Linda Fredrickson American Legion Auxiliary President Martha Grela Sons of American Legion Squadron Commander Stan Grela American Legion Rider’s Director Robert Krupcenski Introduction of Guest Speaker: Past Dept. Commander Mike Bowen Guest Speaker: Past AL National Commander V. “Jim” Troiola Gettysburg Address: Nathan Robson Logan’s Orders: Savannah Fish Salute to our Departed Comrades: American Legion/VFW Honor Guard Benediction: Father James Fennessy, St. Francis & St. Clare Parish Retirement of Colors: Marion Minutemen