ANNISTON, AL — A Memorial Day Ceremony honoring the nation’s fallen service members is scheduled for Monday, May 25, 2026, at the Fort McClellan Post Cemetery. The event, sponsored by American Legion Post 111, will begin at 10 a.m. with prelude music performed by the Cheaha Winds Community Band under the direction of Jared Ross.
The ceremony will feature patriotic music, guest speakers, military honors, and opportunities for families and members of the public to participate in remembering veterans laid to rest at the cemetery.
Scheduled musical performances by the Cheaha Winds Community Band include “Armed Forces Salute,” “El Capitan March,” “Black Horse Troop,” “America the Beautiful,” “Stars and Stripes Forever,” “Kentucky 1800 Overture,” and “National Emblem March.”
Miss Northeast Alabama Danica Karr is scheduled to perform several songs during the event, including the “National Anthem,” “Heaven Needs a Hero,” “God Bless the USA,” and “Amazing Grace.” Ten-year-old Wynter Johnson is also expected to perform “The Goodness of God.”
According to the program, the official opening ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a welcome from Preston Hale of American Legion Post 111. Additional participants include Greg Smith with the Alabama National Cemetery, Chaplain Jon Clark, and guest speaker Daniel Phipps.
The ceremony will also include the Presentation of Colors by the Post 111 Color Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Girl Scout Troops 20108 and 20127, the placement of a wreath by Post 111 veterans, a three-round volley performed by the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, and the playing of Taps by Annie Ingram.
Following the ceremony, flags will be distributed on gravesites, with participation open to family members and the public.
The event is supported in part by the Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration, and the Alabama National Cemetery Complex.
