An opportunity to honor all those who have served their country returns next Monday, May 30, as the Greenville Lions host their annual Memorial Day Celebration in Confederate Park. This year’s theme” “Honoring Their Service.”

“This event has grown a little each year and we try to bring something new to it each year. We feel it is really important to honor and remember our service members past and present,” said event chair, Lion Hubert Little.

Live music will get underway in the park at 9:30 a.m., with the patriotic program set to begin at 10:15 a.m.

Local Boy Scouts will present the colors, with vocalist April Lowery slated to perform the National Anthem and “God Bless America.”

Greenville native Captain Joseph “Jay” Lisenby Jr., USN, will deliver the keynote address.

The annual Walk of Honor gives all veterans present the chance to march around the park and receive the special recognition they deserve as spectators applaud and cheer them on.

“If that walk doesn’t bring a tear to your eye, watching those veterans, than something is wrong. It is one of the most touching things to me,” said Lion Frank Hickman.

“We’ve been told by various keynote speakers our program here in Greenville is as well done as any they have ever attended, and we want to continue and improve upon that tradition,” said Little.

Following the program, barbecue sack lunches will be served in the park by Lions volunteers.

American Legion and armaments displays and a tentative flyover are also planned for the day.

“We encourage all veterans and family members of veterans to come and join us. It is important to recognize and honor their contributions to our country,” said Little.