Auburn Legion Post 23 Memorial Day Program Set for May 25

Auburn’s American Legion Post 23 will host its annual Memorial Day program honoring veterans at 10 a.m. Monday, May 25, at Memorial Legion Park in Auburn.
The program will begin with a welcome from master of ceremonies Kenny Holmes, commander of American Legion Post 23. The ceremony will follow the traditional format and include a prayer by Post 23 Chaplain Roy Whittington, the Pledge of Allegiance led by Auburn Boy Scout Troop 321, vocal performances by Alayna Gerdes of Johnson and Laura Osborne of Auburn, and remarks from special guest speaker Scott Siegel, principal of Auburn High School.
Jennifer Nichols, president of American Legion Auxiliary Post 23, will honor veterans who have passed away through the laying of a wreath and the reading of names. The ceremony will also include a three-volley gun salute and the playing of Taps by Auburn High School senior Lily Harrah before the closing.
Holmes, now in his third year as commander, said Memorial Day remains an important opportunity to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country.
“It’s important that we continue to remember the men and women who gave their lives for our freedoms,” Holmes said. “This program gives our community a chance to come together and show that appreciation.”
Legion is Active in Auburn
Holmes said he is proud of the work the nearly 80 members of American Legion Post 23 do to support veterans, service members and the Auburn community throughout the year.
“We do our best to be good stewards for Auburn,” Holmes said. “We lead the county fair parade with the color guard, participate in the lighted holiday parade and help with the community Easter egg hunt. We sponsor local Boy Scout Troop 321 and the American Legion Baseball team. We provide Veterans Day programs at Auburn High School and Good Samaritan Society, help sponsor Auburn FBLA’s veterans breakfast and provided six scholarships this year for graduating seniors.”
With America’s 250th anniversary approaching in 2026, the post is also becoming involved in Auburn’s local celebration plans.
“This year marks America’s 250th anniversary, and our post has been working to support Auburn’s program,” Holmes said. “We plan to volunteer during the celebration and provide s’mores supplies for attendees.”
Holmes said one of the post’s most meaningful duties is serving as the honor guard at veterans funerals.
He added that none of the organization’s work would be possible without its members and encouraged local veterans to visit the post and learn more about joining. The group meets monthly, typically on the last Monday of each month. Annual dues are $50, with financial assistance available if needed. Veterans interested in learning more can contact the post at 402-274-4353.
Beyond its veterans programs, Holmes said the post also serves as a gathering place for the community. The post home includes an event space available for public use and a public bar open daily.
“We’ve got great staff who really love what they do,” Holmes said. “The building just got new flooring and a new shuffleboard table. We really do have a great group of members and hope to see some more new faces soon.”