Alexandria VA to host Memorial Day events

The Alexandria VA Medical Center is inviting the public to help place flags on the 7,816 graves Saturday at the Alexandria National Cemetery. The event is part of an annual community tradition, according to a press release issued by the Alexandria VA.

The placing of the flags will take place at 8 a.m. at the cemetery located at 209 East Shamrock Street in Pineville.

A Memorial Day program will be held Monday at the cemetery beginning at 9:45 a.m. The Alexandria and Pineville First United Methodist Choirs will start the program with a musical prelude. Dr. Andrew Magee, Louisiana College University professor, minister and United States Army veteran, will be the guest speaker. The placing of wreaths by veteran service and community organizations, a rifle salute and the playing of taps will round out the program.

Seating will be available but attendees are welcome to bring their own chairs.

The release goes on to say that there will be a National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. on Monday and everyone is asked to take a "moment to remember and honor those men and women who died in service to our country." The moment was established by Congress to put the "memorial" back in Memorial Day "and to reclaim its original purpose of honoring America’s fallen heroes."

The time of day was chosen because many are enjoying activities in the afternoon on Memorial Day. The moment is not meant to replaced Memorial Day ceremonies, states the release, "but to highlight the purpose of Memorial Day and to reflect on the sacrifice of those who died for our freedom."

The release says that "in case of bad weather, the ceremony will be held at the Alexandria VA Medical Center’s Auditorium, Building 8, located at 2495 Shreveport Highway, Pineville. To confirm location of the program, please contact the Alexandria VA operators at (318) 473-0010."

This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: Alexandria VA to host Memorial Day events