American Legion Post 86 and Cornelius Parks & Recreation will host a Memorial Day ceremony in honor of those who have died in the armed forces on Saturday, May 23, at 11 a.m. at the Legion hall, 21215 Legion St., off Catawba Avenue, Cornelius.

Keynote speaker will be the Rev. Carl Yost, an Air Force Reserve chaplain who recently returned from Afghanistan. The Rev. Yost also is a minister at Christ Lutheran Church.

Leading the program will be American Legion Post 86 Commander John Washam. Col. Mike Puckett, head of the Jr. ROTC program at Hopewell High, will will be emcee.

Mt. Zion church singers will sing patriotic songs. The program also will include remarks by Cornelius Mayor Jeff Tarte, a 21-gun salute, and presentation of the colors by color guards from the Legion and from Hopewell High School Jr. ROTC.

Cmdr. Washam also said the Legion is planning a blood drive from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Legion Hall, in support of Community Blood Center of the Carolinas.

Details: www.corneliuspr.org In case of inclement weather, call the weather hotline at 704-896-2460, ext. 300.