The City of Independence will mark Memorial Day on Monday with a focus on families.

On Monday, there will be a Memorial Day Observation Service at the cenotaph at Mount Hope Cemetery at 10am. The ceremony will feature music from the Mid-Continent Band. At 11am, there will be a Gold Star Family Memorial Dedication at Veterans Freedom Square at Riverside Park. That ceremony will honor the sacrifice, courage, and enduring strength of Gold Star Families. Donnie Collier with Independence VFW Post #1186 says families are encouraged to bring their kids for the ceremonies and then enjoy the day at Riverside Park.

Collier adds that Monday's ceremonies are an excellent time to teach the next generation about the meaning of Memorial Day.