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 Every year, Raymond's population seems to double or triple on Memorial Day, as current and former residents come together to celebrate and remember the sacrifices that our veterans have made for us to live in freedom.

Prior to Memorial Day, Legion members will decorate the final resting places of over 285 veterans in the five area cemeteries of Raymond, Prinsburg and Roseland. Then on Monday, May 29,  Raymond American Legion Peter Leuze Post 420 will again lead this year's parade, the 102nd year the Post and Auxiliary has done so.  The parade will line up by 8:30 a.m. at the Christian Reformed Church and will step off at 9 a.m.  In the event of rain, the observance will be held in the Raymond Community Center. 

Marchers, veterans, mounted riders, and other groups will march past the Cofield Street Apts., turn left on Cofield Street and proceed south to Highway 23, where the parade will turn left and head east to the Fairview Cemetery. 

Joe Apol, Post Chaplain, will open with a prayer and Randy Ronning, Post Vice Commander, will read the names of deceased veterans.  Pastor Aaron Greydanus of the Raymond Christian Reformed Church will deliver the message, and a brass quartet will play.  A 21 gun salute will be given at Fairview and then the parade will regroup and proceed to St. John's Lutheran Cemetery.  There, Apol will give the opening prayer and Ronning will read the names of the deceased veterans.  Pastor Erika Buller from St. John’s willdeliver the message.  There will also be a 21 gun salute. 

The Legion’s annual meeting will be held at the community center, following the observance. The Harvest Festival committee will be grilling and serving hot dogs, along with beans, chips, salad and beverage at the fire hall/community center/park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Free will donations will go to support this year’s Harvest Festival.