Several Memorial Day services are scheduled for Monday, May 25th, 2026, in Mercer County.

In Mendon, Memorial Day services will begin with participants assembling at the park at 8:30 AM. Units will march to the river, where the firing squad will form at the bridge railing. The program will include the casting of a flower on the river and the sounding of taps by the Parkway Band.

The service will then regroup at the park for the National Anthem by the Parkway Band, an invocation from Pastor Jake Boroff, and the introduction of speaker Mort Ward. Jacob Utz will serve as the featured speaker.

The VFW and American Legion Auxiliaries will place wreaths, followed by a firing squad salute to the dead and closing prayer by Pastor Jake Boroff.

The Mendon program also thanks the Parkway High School Band, participating color guards, VFW 5713, American Legion 210, DAV Chapter 76, Chapter 783 Vietnam Veterans of America, auxiliary units, Pastor Rob Glenn, Girl Scout Troops 20438, 20663 and 438, Boy Scout Troop 98 and Cub Scout 98.

In Celina, the Memorial Day program will be held at Lake Shore Park. Participants will assemble at 10:45 AM, with services beginning at 11 AM.

Eric Pugh, Mercer County Veterans Service Officer, will give the welcome and comments. The Celina High School Band will perform the National Anthem and provide music during the program.

Pastor Craig Flack of Celina First Church of God will give the invocation and benediction. The featured speaker will be Chris “Bubba” Haynes, Veterans of Foreign Wars National Inspector General and Ohio National Council Member.

The program will also include the placing of wreaths by VFW 5713 and American Legion 210 Auxiliaries, a color guard salute to the dead, and dismissal remarks from VFW of Ohio Department Chaplain and Celina VFW Commander Elect Karl Hagaman. Lunch will follow for participants at the Celina VFW.

A Memorial Day service will also be held at Mercer Memory Gardens on May 25th. Participants will assemble at 10 AM.

Blair Temple will serve as master of ceremonies. The program will include the National Anthem, the placing of wreaths by auxiliaries, and remarks from Past VFW Department of Ohio Commander Gerald “Mort” Ward.

Celina VFW Chaplain John Schmidt will offer prayer. The service will also include a salute to the dead, the sounding of taps and dismissal.

Listen to the Celina Services live on 96.7 FM