How several Topeka organizations will honor fallen veterans at these Memorial Day events

The Memorial Day weekend has many opportunities to honor fallen veterans.

The long weekend also serves as the unofficial kickoff to summer, with many opting to spend some time at area lakes and ponds.

Sean Zears, communications supervisor for Shawnee County Parks and Recreation, said families flock to the Shawnee County Lake every year to enjoy its parks, fishing, sporting events and more.

"Fishing is always going to be something that people love to do out here, whether it be with the kids fishing or if it's for just themselves on a boat," Zears said. "I think the one thing that's been on everyone's mind is just the weather and making sure you have a plan in case severe weather happens to hit."

All Shawnee County pools will open at noon Saturday, two days before Memorial Day, Zears said. Admission for children ages 2 to 12 years old is $6 while those 13 years old and older pay $7.

What Memorial Day celebrations will take place in Topeka?

As you get ready to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military, several events in Topeka can help you plan your agenda.

Memorial Day Mass

Catholic Cemeteries of Northeast Kansas will host an outdoor Memorial Day Mass at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 801 S.W. Westchester Road. Rev. Tim Haberkorn will celebrate the Mass. Spirit & Fire will provide music at the outdoor observance. For more information, call 785-272-0820, email information@cathcemks.org or visit www.cathcemks.org.

When: 10 a.m. May 27. In case of rain, Mass will be in the chapel of Holy Trinity Mausoleum.

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Memorial Wreath Presentation

A Memorial Wreath Presentation in honor of members of military and civil services will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery, 3616 S.W. 6th Ave., in the Serve and Protect Garden. The graves of veterans at Memorial Park Cemetery can be decorated with American flags available at the cemetery gates.

When: 10 a.m. May 27.

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Memorial Day Ceremony

Mount Hope Cemetery at 4700 S.W. 17th will host a Memorial Day Ceremony with a performance from The Capital City Chorus, a speech from Lt. Col. Tom Warth Troop command administrative officer, refreshments and more.

When: 11 a.m. May 27.

Taps Across America

The Combat Air Museum at Topeka Regional Airport, 7016 S.E. Forbes, will have its fifth annual Memorial Day "Taps Across America" program. The event will feature a speaker and a rifle salute, followed by the playing of "Taps" at 3 p.m.

When: 2:30 p.m. May 27. The museum won't charge admission from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Keishera Lately is the business reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. She can be reached at klately@cjonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @Lately_KT.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: How Topeka organizations will honor fallen veterans on Memorial Day