Although Memorial Day isn’t until the last Monday in May, American Legion Auxiliary Post 72 in Troy is already planning for that “most important” day.

“On Memorial Day, those who died in active military service are remembered,” said Katie Hale, Auxiliary president. “American Legion Auxiliary and Post 70 also take the opportunity of this day of remembrance to add names of deceased veterans to the Memorial Wall at Bicentennial Park in Troy.”

In order to have plaques ready to be added to the wall on May 28 of this year, Hale said the information is needed as soon as possible.

“To have a name added to the Memorial Wall, we need the name of the veteran, his or her rank, the theater where they served and any additional information that needs to be included,” Hale said. “That information should be sent to American Legion Auxiliary Post 70, 212 East Walnut Street, Troy, AL 36081.

The cost of the memorial plaques is $175 and payment should be included along with a contact name and phone number.

“We also have flags that are flown on all patriotic holidays,” Hale said. “The cost of each flag is $35. Flags may be purchased in combination with the memorial plaques for $210. And, flags may be purchased separately for any deceased Pike County veteran.

Hale said the initial cost of a flag is the only charge.

“However, donations to our flag project are appreciated because flags have to be replace about every three years and we have 400 of them,” she said. “This past year, we had to replace 50 flags and Woodmen of the World replaced them for us and that was greatly appreciated.”

Hale said there is no way to adequately thank veterans for their service.

“But, the Auxiliary is trying to find ways to recognize and thank those who serve,” she said. “We are hoping to organize a Veterans Day Parade this year because this will be the 100th year of signing of an armistice between the Allies and Germany that called for a ceasefire in World War I — November, 11, 1918. The armistice was signed on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Wouldn’t it be fitting to have a Veterans Day Parade at that exact time on the 100th anniversary of the signing of the armistice.”

For more information, call Katie Hale at 334-465-1765 or Tabitha Adkins at 372-5882.