The streets of Dowagiac’s historic downtown will be again lined Monday morning with men and women paying their respects for the sacrifices made by the country’s armed services.

The Dowagiac Memorial Day Parade makes its return next week. The ceremonies begin at 10:30 a.m. in front of city hall, with the parade stepping off at 11 a.m.

As in previous years, the procession will make its way down Front Street, turning east down Division Street before turning at Riverside Drive, where it will make its way up into the cemetery, where members of the local VFW will pay tribute to the veterans who lost their lives serving in armed conflict.

The special guest speaker for this year’s event will be Leo Flory, a Decatur resident and veteran of the Vietnam War. Flory has written a book about his experiences serving overseas as a medic with the U.S. Army, entitled “Transition to Duty.”

“He [Flory] has lots of story to share,” said organizer Jim Benedix. “It was quite an experience he had serving in Vietnam.”

Also expected to speak Monday morning is Mayor Don Lyons. Members of the Dowagiac Union High School Band and the Kalamazoo Pipe Band are also expected to attend Monday’s ceremony, Benedix said.

Joining the usual assortment of veteran organizations, local businesses and organizations in this year’s parade are members of the National Guard, Benedix said.

Benedix and the other members of the local Masonic Lodge again are organizing this year’s parade. The club took over the responsibility of putting together the annual ceremony in 2000.

“It was something that was in danger of becoming a part of history, and we took the opportunity to step forward and make sure that didn’t happen,” Benedix said.

While attendance will likely depend on the weather that day, Benedix is expecting a good crowd to show up for the festivities next week. The organizer is encouraging the public to come out and show their support in the way that only small towns can, he said.

“Each element of the day is important,” he said “The ceremony at city hall will be interesting, the ceremony at the cemetery will honor our fallen veterans, and the parade is pure Americana.”