Milford’s Memorial Day ceremony returning

MILFORD — A service commemorating Memorial Day is back for city residents and visitors to enjoy.

The return of the ceremony stemmed from a couple’s disappointment last year. In 2023, Dee Davis and her husband went to the Milford Senior Center, expecting a Memorial Day event that they had attended many years before.

When they got there, they were surprised to see the doors closed and an empty parking lot.

“We were shocked that there was no program,” Ms. Davis said. “I don’t know what happened, whether it was still from COVID or what, but we were surprised, and we were hopeful that it would be picked up by someone.

“When I heard our local state representative (Bryan Shupe) was asking for someone to take it on, I decided to do (so).”

The service she has organized will take place May 27 at 10:30 a.m. in Milford High School’s Dr. Gerald W. Thompson Center for the Performing Arts. The large facility is accessible for everyone, Ms. Davis said.

The emcee will be Ed Huey, a retired Milford Police Department captain who served on his hometown force 37 years.

U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Mercedes McCoy Garrett will be the keynote speaker. She is a leader among the ranks of the 512th Airlift Wing in Dover and is a Yellow Ribbon wing representative.

Her service stretches 15 years, including five stateside deployments with Mortuary Affairs.

Volunteers at the ceremony will hand out poppies, a symbol for fallen military members. Plus, the Milford Community Band will perform, and there will be presentations recognizing prisoners of war, those missing in action and Gold Star families.

The free program is open to the public.

Milford High School is at 1019 N. Walnut St.