American Legion
American Legion Post 77 will celebrated Memorial Day on Monday with a memorial program at 11 a.m., followed by a free barbecue at noon, and then a blood drive from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

World War II veteran and former County Commissioner Bud Soesbee was the guest speaker. Bill Callas sang the National Anthem and the colors were presented by the Post 77 Color Guard.

Soesbee spoke about his first night as an enlisted man, his experience in battle during WWII, and of the the Veteran's Memorial park and Walk of Heroes at Black Shoals Park.

"That is going to be the best park in the United States," he said. "Can you imagine, in a little county like Rockdale?"

Post 77, which hosts blood drives around all patriotic holidays, last collected 44 pints from about 70 people on Presidents Day.

Poppy drive
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5290 hosted their annual Memorial Day Weekend buddy poppy drive in front of the Piggly Wiggly and Kroger on Flat Shoals and Highway 138.

The VFW has used the poppies to raise money for veterans' welfare after being inspired by World War I surgeon, John McCray who wrote a poem about buddy poppies.

"It's our way of accepting donations from people when we hand them out," said Chuck Koons, Commander of VFW Post 5290.
For more info, call the VFW at 770-483-7443.