Monday is Memorial Day and is a Federal Holiday.

The day is for remembering the people who died while serving in the country's armed forces. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. Many volunteers place an American flag on each grave in national cemeteries.

All banks, the post office, federal, state, county and local municipalities are closed for business Monday. There's also no school.

Among Memorial Day observances:

Shelby County Memorial VFW Post 8904 & the Ladies Auxiliary will hold their annual Memorial Day Program on Monday, at 11 am in Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church, in Center. Names of all Shelby County Veterans killed in action from the Civil War to today's War on Terror will be read. The memorial wreath will be decorated by those in attendance as the names are read. Musical selections will be provided by students from the Center Middle School Band and Choir. The playing of Taps will close the program. 

The annual Timpson Memorial Day program has been cancelled. The Timpson American Legion made the decision Thursday based on the potential threat of inclement weather. By the way, the Timpson Bear Band Boosters have postponed their BBQ chicken fundraiser Monday and say they will be rescheduling.

The San Augustine American Legion Memorial Day program will be held at San Augustine High School at 2:30 p.m. this afternoon, as well as at 11 a.m. Monday at First Methodist Church in San Augustine.

Also, tomorrow, Saturday, a Veterans Monument will be dedicated at the Bethel Cemetery in Nacogdoches County. The ceremony will begin at 11 am with a complimentary BBQ lunch to be served afterwards. There’s a cordial invitation to all veterans to attend. Bethel Cemetery is located south of Hwy 59 on CR 941.  Stay on 941 until you come to FM 2609 and the Cemetery is next to the Bethel Baptist Church. 

By the way, on Memorial Day, United States Flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon.  All banks, schools, businesses and government offices that fly a flag that can be lowered are asked to please do so in honor of those Americans who have made the ultimate sacrifice.  If you fly a flag that can't be lowered you can still show respect for the day by tying a black cord or ribbon to the top of the flag pole.  It too should be removed at noon.