Area residents are invited this Memorial Day to honor those who paid the ultimate price to ensure the liberties we all enjoy today.

In Oxford, the annual Memorial Day Ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. Monday at the National Guard Armory, next to the Oxford Conference Center, located off the Sisk Avenue exit of Highway 7 N.

Hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, with help from the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans, this year’s ceremony will honor those local veterans who have died this year as well as all those who have died while serving and by natural causes.

Unlike Veterans Day services, the Memorial Day Ceremony is generally a more somber affair.

“This is the only major American holiday that is strictly a commemoration of the ones who never got to come home,” said Bill Arnold, commander of the Oxford VFW.

Recognition of departed area veterans will be done by Wil St. Amand, followed by the Dedication of Wreath that is donated by Bette’s Flowers. St. Amand will read off the names of veterans who have died in the last 12 months, compiled by the Skipwith Historical and Genealogical Society.

Mitzi Below will sing the national anthem and other patriotic songs.

The program will begin with a welcome and invocation by Clear Creek Baptist Pastor Charles Lipe. The Oxford Police Department’s Color Guard will present the colors.

This year’s guest speaker will be mayor-elect and current Ward 2 Alderman Robyn Tannehill.

The ceremony will close with the playing of taps by Warren Bristol and a moment of silence.

Also on Monday, a Memorial Day service will be held at the Mississippi State Veteran’s Home at 10 a.m.