Leelanau County residents and visitors are invited to attend two ceremonies to honor America'’s fallen soldiers on Memorial Day:

• Monday, 9:30 a.m., County Government Center, Suttons Bay - Featured speaker Brigadier Gen. Charles F. Briggs, (Ret.) will speak. A color guard will also be present, and a flag raising ceremony held. The tribute is being organized by VFW Post #7731 of Lake Leelanau.

Briggs retired from the US Army in 1986 after a 30-year career. A Battle Creek native, he was commissioned from ROTC at Western Michigan University in 1956 and subsequently earned a master’s degree from George Washington University. The general commanded units in the United States and Europe and serve two tours in Vietnam. Among his decorations are two Distinguished Service Medals, the Legion of Mertand and three Bronze stars.

• Monday, 10:30 a.m., a ceremony will be held at the Leelanau Township Cemetery in Northport (Northport School gymnasium if raining). A dedicatory speech will be provided by retired Ford executive Jerry Dennis. Patriotic music will be provided by the Village Voices and the Northport Community Band. Veterans dating back to Civil War through the present conflict in Iraq will be recognized.