STELVIDEO — The Stelvideo Memorial Day Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 24, at the Stelvideo Cemetery, weather permitting. World War II veteran Marion Adams and his niece, Diana Spitler, will be the speakers.

Adams enlisted in the Navy right out of high school in May 1942. He was assigned to an LST as a radioman. An LST (Landing Ship Tank) was a ship specifically designed to land troops, vehicles, and supplies right onto a hostile beach during World War II. His LST 491 arrived at Omaha Beach on the morning of June 6, 1944, now known as D-Day. LST 491 made four trips from England to France hitting a different beach each time during the Normandy Invasion. Later he was involved with the invasion of Southern France and Okinawa. As a civilian, Adams and his family have participated in numerous activities to promote veterans and teach about World War II.

Diana Spitler is Adams’ niece who makes documentaries about her family’s participation in the armed services. In addition, she created a promotional presentation for USS LST 325 that was viewed by the French parliament. She was awarded the Philo T. Farnsworth Award for excellence in community programming from the Central States Region. Currently, Spitler is working on a video project about the Korean, Vietnam, and Cold War, and Enduring Freedom. She wants all to recognize that freedom is not free and the future generations must not forget the sacrifices our military continues to make.

Attendees may bring a lawn chair and are reminded to maintain safe distancing during the service.

American Legion Post 140 will then conduct a Memorial Service at 2 p.m.