Communities throughout the Mid-Ohio Valley are preparing to come together this Memorial Day Weekend to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States. While each town has its own way of paying tribute, the spirit of remembrance and gratitude is shared across the region.
Weekend Observances Begin in Ravenswood
The first of several commemorations kicks off on Sunday in Ravenswood, where a Memorial Day ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. at the Ravenswood Cemetery.
This event will feature speeches, honor guards, and the presence of local law enforcement and veterans groups, setting a reverent tone ahead of Monday’s full schedule.
Belpre Hosts Annual Ceremony at Leavitt Funeral Home
On Monday at 11 a.m., Belpre will hold its annual Memorial Day program at Leavitt Funeral Home. The service, organized in partnership with the Belpre Veterans Association, will be held near the flagpole and veterans memorial established in 2007.
Attendees can expect a moving program including speakers, a rifle salute, wreath-laying, and the traditional playing of “Taps.” Light refreshments will be provided following the ceremony.
Lowell and Beverly-Waterford Parades Keep Tradition Alive
Lowell’s Memorial Day will begin with the American Legion Post 750’s parade at 10 a.m., starting at the Lowell-Adams Volunteer Fire Department and concluding at Greenlawn Cemetery for a ceremony. A lunch will follow for participants including Legion members, fire department personnel, and community members.
Meanwhile, the Beverly-Waterford Memorial Day Parade will step off at 8:30 a.m. from Fort Frye High School. Stops for services will include the Beverly Cemetery, Waterford Bridge, and Waterford Cemetery. This tradition is proudly sponsored by American Legion Post 389.
Marietta Honors the Fallen with Multiple Parades
Marietta will host two parades on Monday. At 8 a.m., the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5108 will sponsor a parade from Harmar Elementary to Harmar Cemetery, with a brief stop on the Putnam Bridge for a tribute.
Later in the morning, American Legion Post 64 will conduct the downtown parade starting at 10 a.m. from East Muskingum Park. It will proceed through town and conclude at Oak Grove Cemetery with a formal ceremony. A luncheon will be held afterward at both the American Legion and the VFW.
Additionally, the Marietta Noon Lions will present its Bridge of Heroes display. More than 100 American flags will line Putnam Street Bridge to honor local veterans throughout the Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day weeks.
Parkersburg and Williamstown Ceremonies Embrace Tradition
In Parkersburg, American Legion Post 15 will start its observances with a 9 a.m. ceremony at the post headquarters.
A full Memorial Day service will follow at 10 a.m. at City Park’s veterans plaza. The event includes a rifle salute, wreath-laying, and the reading of names of local veterans who passed away over the past year.
Williamstown’s American Legion Post 159 will gather at Tomlinson Park at 9 a.m. before launching its annual parade at 9:30 a.m. toward Riverview Cemetery.
The community will honor fallen heroes with a rifle salute, “Taps,” and a wreath ceremony. A flag disposal ritual and lunch will follow, alongside a children’s poppy poster contest where visitors can vote.
Ripley Hosts Courthouse Ceremony
Ripley will host the Jackson County Veterans Memorial Day Service at 10 a.m. Monday on the courthouse lawn. The ceremony will include guest speakers DAV representative Adam Greathouse and West Virginia Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonhardt, a Marine Corps veteran. Attendees will witness a rifle salute, wreath-laying, and more in this dignified observance.
From city parks to quiet cemeteries, residents across the Mid-Ohio Valley will pause this Memorial Day to remember those who paid the ultimate price for freedom. Whether through solemn reflection, community parades, or patriotic speeches, the sacrifices of our fallen heroes will not be forgotten.
