Rock Island ceremony set May 25

Rock Island National Cemetery on Arsenal Island is scheduled to hold its annual Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 25, at 10:45 a.m., according to local news reports and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Lt. Gen. Mark Landes, commander of First Army, is slated to give the keynote address. The ceremony will include military honors, music and public transportation from an off-site parking area to the cemetery. The event is part of the VA’s broader Memorial Day weekend observances at national cemeteries across the country. ### When and where will the ceremony take place? Monday, May 25, is the date listed for the Rock Island National Cemetery ceremony, with a 10:45 a.m. local start time, local television outlets WQAD and OurQuadCities reported. Rock Island National Cemetery is located on Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois. (ourquadcities.com) The Department of Veterans Affairs said it will host public Memorial Day commemorations at national cemeteries during the holiday weekend and advised visitors to confirm details because times can change because of weather or other circumstances. ### Who is scheduled to speak and participate? Lt. Gen. Mark Landes is scheduled to serve as keynote speaker, according to WQAD and OurQuadCities. (ourquadcities.com) Both outlets identified Landes as commander of First Army, which is based at Rock Island Arsenal. The Quad City chapters of the Vietnam Veterans of America are set to conduct the Veterans Service Organization honor guard, WQAD reported. (cem.va.gov) The QC Chordbusters and Davenport Central High School Band are scheduled to provide music, while Carma Chavez is listed to sing the national anthem and Rev. Scott Culley of Faith Walk World Outreach Center is set to give the invocation. (ourquadcities.com) ### What will happen during the ceremony itself? Speeches, a moment of silence, the playing of taps and a rifle volley are planned as part of the May 25 program, local reports said. Those elements are in addition to the musical performances and honor guard participation. (wqad.com) The VA describes Memorial Day as the nation’s annual day to mourn and honor deceased service members and said national cemetery ceremonies are open to the public. ### Where can visitors park, and how will they get to the cemetery? Parking at the cemetery itself will be limited to people who use wheelchairs, according to WQAD and OurQuadCities. All other visitors are directed to park behind Memorial Park in the large lot off East Street, across from Building 110. (ourquadcities.com) (cem.va.gov) Buses, including accessible and wheelchair-friendly vehicles, are scheduled to run between the parking area and the cemetery from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the stations reported. Both outlets advised visitors to arrive early. ### What happens before Memorial Day at the cemetery? (ourquadcities.com) Thursday, May 21, at 4 p.m. is the scheduled start for volunteer flag placement at headstones ahead of the ceremony, WQAD reported. If severe weather interrupts that effort, the alternate date is Friday, May 22, at 4 p.m. (ourquadcities.com) Tuesday, May 26, at 8 a.m. is the scheduled start for flag removal, weather permitting, according to WQAD. The station said the Bi-County Memorial Association will provide hot dogs and water to participants and volunteers after flag placement. (wqad.com) ### Where can people confirm details? The VA said visitors should confirm ceremony information with the cemetery because plans can change. Local reports listed the cemetery information line as 309-784-0000 for questions about the Memorial Day ceremony and flag placement. (wqad.com) Monday, May 25, remains the scheduled date for the Rock Island observance, with Lt. Gen. Landes set to speak and shuttle service planned from 9 a.m. through 1 p.m. for attendees using the East Street parking area. (ourquadcities.com) (wqad.com)