Derik Vanderford|Daily Times A ceremony in observance of National Memorial Day will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 27, at the war memorial on East Main Street, Union.

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A memorial - including crosses bearing the names of local soldiers who died in combat, U.S. and South Carolina flags, flags for each military branch, flowers, and a silhouette of a kneeling soldier - is placed along Duncan Bypass during the week of each Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

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UNION COUNTY — Local military veterans groups look to expand this year’s Memorial Day observance.

A National Memorial Day Celebration will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 27, at the War Memorial located at East Main Street, Union.

Those involved held a final planning meeting Wednesday to discuss the particulars of the event.

The event — held to remember veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice during war time — will be organized by American Legion Post 22 Second Vice Commander Charles Lott Sr., who said he looks to have a large turnout this year and wants to make sure the event is all-inclusive. Lott said he wants to reach out to all veteran groups such as VFW, VVA, and Confederate groups.

“We want to bring all veteran groups together,” Lott said. “We all fought for America, and we should all come together as one group.”

The guest speaker at the Memorial Day event will be Major John Britt, Commander of American Legion District 10, which includes Union, Laurens and Newberry counties. Also, the Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Gus Diamaduros and Lott will speak about the purpose of Memorial Day.

The event will also include representation from the Union National Guard and the Boy Scouts of America, and the American Legion Auxiliary will provide light refreshments.

Staff Writer Derik Vanderford can be reached at 864-427-1234, ext. 29, or by email at dvanderford@civitasmedia.com.