Sussex County Memorial Day celebration on Georgetown Circle Sunday

GEORGETOWN – Memorial Day, the day that commemorates all of the women and men who have died while in military service, will be observed Sunday, May 26 on the Circle.

The traditional Sussex County Memorial Day Service will begin at 1:30 p.m. It is sponsored by the Georgetown Kiwanis Club and the Korean War Veterans Association.

The keynote speech “Hometown Heroes” will be delivered by Ret. Army National Guard Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Jones, a Georgetown native. Col. Jones is from a military family, the son of former Sussex County Sherriff and US Army retiree “Cap” Jones.

State Sen. Brian Pettyjohn will serve as Master of Ceremonies. The invocation and benediction will be offered by US Army veteran Pastor Robert Longo of the Georgetown.

Cathy Gorman of Georgetown will return to sing the National Anthem and America the Beautiful. The audience is encouraged to sing along.

Memorial wreathes will be placed by local veterans’ groups and service organizations in tribute to those who died in the World Wars I and II, Korea, Viet Nam, and the more recent conflicts to protect our freedoms. Assisting will be members of Troop 95, Boy Scouts of America.

The rifle salute will be executed by members of the 198th Signal Battalion, Delaware National Guard, stationed at the Georgetown Armory.

Taps and its echo will be performed by Sussex Central Alumna, Kylie Youse, and Sussex Central Senior, Jake Darmstadter.

The program is scheduled to last about 50 minutes. Seating is provided. Attendees may also choose to bring comfortable folding chairs.