Andersonville National Historic Site will be the backdrop for Memorial Day events/NPS

A weekend of special activities is planned for Memorial Day weekend at Andersonville National Historic Site in Georgia.

Brigadier General David Lesperance, Armor School commandant at the U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence, will present the keynote address at the Memorial Day Observance Ceremony in Andersonville National Cemetery at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 28. Brigadier General Lesperance has been deployed five times in support of combat operations. Among other assignments, he served on the Multi-National Division-Baghdad staff in 2007 and commanded the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division in 2012. His distinguished military record includes three Legion of Merit awards, three Bronze Stars, a Defense Meritorious Service medal, and five Meritorious Service medals, among other commendations.

“Memorial Day presents an opportunity to remember the military men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country,” said Superintendent Charles Sellars. “Many have paid the highest price in service to our nation. It is our great privilege to pay tribute to them, particularly those resting in honor here at Andersonville National Cemetery, each year at this time.”

Memorial Day commemoration activities at Andersonville began May 19. Volunteers from Robins Riders and park staff raised the Avenue of Flags, lining the cemetery roads with over 200 full-sized American flags and the National Prisoner of War Museum parking area with all 50 state flags.

On Saturday, May 27, hundreds of scouts and other volunteers will add to the patriotic atmosphere by placing a small American flag on more than 20,000 gravesites in Andersonville National Cemetery. Park officials say the dramatic and moving display of thousands of veterans’ graves decorated with American flags, set against a backdrop of over 200 full-sized American flags, will create a powerful and patriotic setting for the Memorial Day Observance Ceremony.

On Sunday, May 28, a Memorial Day Observance Ceremony will be held in Andersonville National Cemetery. The U.S. Army Maneuver Center of Excellence Band will perform beginning at 1:30 p.m., and the formal program will begin at 2 p.m. The ceremony will feature the keynote address by Brigadier General Lesperance; wreath presentations by several military, civic, and patriotic organizations; and presentation of military honors including a rifle salute.

On Monday, May 29, the Knights of Columbus will hold a special mass in the cemetery at 11 a.m. The public is invited.