Roger L. Friend, American Legion Department of Ohio commander, is the guest speaker of the Monday, May 31, Ada Memorial Day service, according to Matt Crawford, commander of the Ada American Legion.

The ceremony is at Woodlawn Cemetery at 1 p.m. on May 31. It is held in cooperation between the Ada American Legion and Ada Veterans of Foreign Wars.

In case or rain, the service will take place at the Ada VFW Post 9381, north of Ada.

Friend was appointed commander of the American Legion Department of Ohio in 2019.

As department commander of the largest veteran’s organization statewide, Friend is the lead ambassador of over 540 post and 90,000 members.

Prior to his department commander election, Friend retired from the U. S. Navy Reserves after 22 years and eight months of service as an electrician mate.

His military career began during the Vietnam War and with Operation Enduring Freedom.

Today he is a member of Melvin Mayfield American Legion Post 804 of St. Louisville, Ohio.

The Memorial Day service is open to the public.