Memorial Day Ceremonies Will Begin Saturday With Two Leading Up to Courthouse Grounds Monday Remembrance

Having inherited oversight of Memorial Day activities from Malcolm Barr Sr., who spearheaded resurrecting such events locally about a decade ago, Royal Examiner contacted Lt. Colonel Marine Reserves Robert MacDougall and Army veteran and Able Forces Foundation President “Skip” Rogers about planned Memorial Day and weekend events.

Color guard at past HSWC Wagner Shelter Dogs of War Garden ceremony generally held the Saturday before Memorial Day. Below, Army veteran and Able Forces Foundation’s Skip Rogers and Marine Reserves Lt. Col. Rob MacDougall teamed up at previous Memorial Day courthouse grounds event. Royal Examiner File Photos Roger Bianchini

MacDougall told us the duo will share oversight of the Memorial Day remembrance on the Warren County Courthouse grounds: “The Memorial Day Commemoration and traditional tribute to those who have died in defense of America will be held at the Warren County Courthouse grounds on Main Street, from 12-1 p.m. on Monday, May 26th. The event will feature remarks from guest of honor David Long, a former Marine Corps infantry officer and local resident who twice deployed to combat operations in Afghanistan.

“Wreaths, provided by Fussell Florists, will be laid at both the Saturday and Monday ceremonies,” MacDougall noted.

As reported by Mike McCool following his Town Talk video interview with Rogers: “On Saturday, May 24, residents will have two chances to honor veterans and reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day.”

The first Saturday event takes place in the Dogs of War Memorial Garden founded by Barr in cooperation with the Humane Society of Warren County, which he once chaired, on the Julia Wagner Animal Shelter grounds at 11 a.m.

Malcolm Barr Sr. and his beloved Husky Diva. Here Diva appears to be posing for the war dog statue that would eventually be placed in the Wagner Shelter Dogs of War Memorial Garden. Below, law enforcement K-9 we have named as Marley Ben relaxes by Dogs of War Park dedication message dating to 2021.

“I was a dog handler when I served,” Rogers pointed out, adding, “Military working dogs are part of the team. Malcolm has done a great service over the last decade in recognizing the service of the canines who have served in the military — loyal companions and brave soldiers in their own right, and it’s my honor to continue that.” The War Dogs memorial event has been expanded to include community law enforcement service dogs as well.

The second event moves to the Gazebo area in the Village Commons Park at the East Main and Chester Streets intersection in historic downtown Front Royal. Moving into its second year, the “Salute to Service Festival” features a full Saturday afternoon of music, educational remarks, and family activities before an increased number of vendors this year. Starting time is 1 p.m.

“The event is designed not only to honor fallen service members but to bring the community together in appreciation of the freedoms their sacrifices have helped protect,” Rogers pointed out during his Town Talk appearance.

“This is a time to remember those who gave everything. We want to celebrate that legacy while also educating the next generation about what Memorial Day truly means,” Rogers explained of the “Salute to Service Festival”.

A special thanks to Rob MacDougall and “Skip” Rogers for their work in recent years helping Malcolm Barr Sr. organize these events, and for taking over in the wake of Malcolm’s retirement due to age-related health issues.

Malcolm Barr Sr. at past Memorial Day Courthouse grounds ceremonies, first with Sheriff Crystal Cline and Marine Reserves Lt. Colonel Rob MacDougall; and below with Diva and Able Forces Foundation’s Skip and Kathy Rogers.

It sounds like a trio of events that will truely mark the legacy of our servicemen, and service dogs, who have made the ultimate sacrifice throughout American history. And Royal Examiner will assure “extra credit” to those readers who make all three events this year, and almost extra credit for 2 out of 3. Not sure what that “extra” or “almost extra” credit will earn you, but for sure you WILL have it when we figure it out.

Honoring the Dogs of War and Our Heroes: A Day of Remembrance and Celebration Set for May 24