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May 21, 2026 – The Veterans Assistance Commission of Macon County is inviting the public to attend Memorial Day ceremonies on Monday, May 25, 2026, as the community comes together to honor the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
The first ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. at Pavilion No. 1 in Fairview Park in Decatur. This year’s featured speaker is Sergeant First Class Leah Medina, who has served more than 23 years in the Illinois National Guard, including deployments supporting operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Medina currently serves as an Inter-Agency Liaison for the Illinois National Guard Joint Staff in coordination with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Office of Homeland Security. She also serves as Senior Vice Commander of VFW Post 99 and is a Life Member of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association.
The Fairview Park ceremony will include wreath presentations from local veterans organizations, presentation of colors, memorial honors and the playing of Taps by the Macon County Honor Guard. The National Anthem will be performed by Sarah Sanders.
Following the Fairview Park observance, attendees are invited to continue to the Korean War Memorial at Graceland Fairlawn Cemetery for an additional Memorial Day ceremony scheduled for 11:30 a.m.
Organizers said the ceremonies are intended to remember the sacrifices made by America’s fallen service members and honor the legacy of those who never returned home.
