For many years, the community of Dowagiac has remembered those who have served in the past and honored those currently serving in the armed forces of our nation with a ceremony and parade on Memorial Day.

Members of the church community have been among those honored, having served proudly to defend freedom and promote peace at home and around the world.

Veterans and those currently serving have been remembered, prayed for and honored in churches throughout our community on Memorial Day Sunday and throughout the year.
This year, First United Methodist Church would like to publicly remember and honor those who stand in harm’s way for the sake of peace.

At the Memorial Day parade near the announcer’s stand where the beginning ceremonies take place First United Methodist Church will have two large boards.

Members of the community are invited to sign names of a family member, friend, loved one or acquaintance who have served or are currently serving in any branch of service to one of the two boards. These boards will be at the center of a service of Prayer and Remembrance in Honor of our Service Men and Women.

This service will take place the following Sunday, June 6, at the 9:30 a.m. worship service.

All are invited to attend as the congregation remembers the sacrifices of the past, present and future, offers thanks for the blessings of freedom and peace we now enjoy because others gave, prays for the men and women currently serving and their families and asks God to bless the world with peace in the future.

Please come to the parade, honor our men and women in service to our country and sign their names to the boards.

Then join the congregation on June 6, 9:30 a.m., at First United Methodist Church, 326 N. Lowe St., to remember, honor and pray.