Memorial Day celebrations are set to begin across the region.

Cape Girardeau will hold its annual program at the Osage Centre Monday at 11 a.m. The event will include a combined color guard from the Marine Corps League, American Legion Post 63, and VFW Post 3838.

The event's featured speaker will be Sheryl Smith of the Naval Reserve. Smith joined the reserves in 1987 and saw active duty during both Desert Storm and Desert Shield operations. She now works as the Southeast Missouri State Teachers Association Field Representative.

"She is going to talk about the role of women in the military, and I really think it should be a good talk because she's highly educated and just has a resume that goes out the door. We're all going to learn something." said Burt Lehman, secretary treasurer of the joint veterans council.

In Jackson, American Legion Post 158 will observe services Monday at 9 a.m. at the Jackson City Cemetery on High Street one block east of Jackson High School.

The program will include a performance by the Jackson Municipal Band and a speech by retired naval commander Lawson Burgfeld.

"He spent 35 years in the Navy going in as an E-1 and retiring as an O-5 so he has a very good working knowledge of the military from top to bottom," said David Ludwig. "We invite everybody to come out and honor the folks that gave up their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today."

In Scott City, VFW Post 6407 will hold its memorial service at 11 a.m. in Lightener Cemetery. The service will include a display of colors by local Boy Scouts, and the placement of a memorial wreath by Girl Scouts. There will also be an address and invocation by Charles Lance, and winners of the "voices of democracy," essay contest reading their essays.

In other news, the stretch of Highway 25 betwen Jackson and Kennett will once again be lined with clothes, antiques and other items as part of the the annual 100-mile yard sale.

The event runs through Monday. MoDOT officials are urging caution to motorists traveling the route. "We really want drivers to be alert -- to be aware of the surroundings -- to be aware of sudden stops and to look for pedestrian traffic," said traffic engineer Craig Compas.

In Thebes, Ill., the reopening of the Thebes Courthouse will take place at noon Saturday. The courthouse will be open from noon to 5 p.m. throughout Memorial Day weekend.

The Thebes celebration will also include a downtown parade at 10 a.m. and a Roll of Honor and Wreath Ceremony for veterans on the courthouse grounds at 11 a.m.

Cape Girardeau's Capaha Pool and the Jackson City Pool will both open Saturday for the summer season.

Cape Girardeau city offices will be closed Memorial Day. Monday's trash and recycling routes will be picked up on Tuesday and Tuesday's routes will be picked up on Wednesday.

All flags will be flown at half-staff from dawn until noon Monday by presidential proclamation.

tgreaney@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 245