The Town of Langston and WM Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens will join communities across the nation in observing Memorial Day 2026 as part of the America 250 initiative, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. The event will honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in military service and reflect on the nation’s founding ideals and enduring freedoms.
Organizers say this year’s observance carries special significance as the country approaches its semi-quincentennial milestone, offering an opportunity for reflection, education, and unity in remembrance of fallen service members.
The 8th Annual Memorial Day Observance will be held at the WM Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens, 313 East Turner Street in Langston. Veterans, families, Gold Star Families, friends, and members of the public are invited to attend.
The day’s activities will begin with an “America 250 Memorial Day March” from Langston University to the Veterans Memorial Gardens, led by participants in the Langston University Science and Mathematics Summer Camp. The march will begin at 9:45 a.m. from the I.W. Young Auditorium.
A pastries and coffee reception will follow at 10 a.m., allowing attendees to tour the gardens and visit with veterans. The official program will begin at 11 a.m. under the theme “Observing 250 Years of America’s Independence: Honoring and Remembering Those Who Gave Their Last Full Measure of Devotion.”
The ceremony will include the playing of Taps, a moment of silence, and a special recognition honoring service members who have died in recent military operations, with names and photographs to be presented during the program.
Dr. Sherman Lewis, a Langston University graduate, Air Force veteran, federal government official, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and chairman of the Langston University Urban Campuses Board of Trustees, will serve as the keynote speaker.
A bench dedication ceremony will also be held, honoring veterans and their families, including benches dedicated “For All Who Served,” as well as a Peace Garden dedication in memory of a late Langston University professor remembered for promoting tolerance, love, and peace. The ceremony will be officiated by CMS (Ret.) Terrance D. Green of Tinker Air Force Base.
Music for the observance will be provided by Isaac B. Coleman Jr. of Oklahoma City, along with the mass choir of St. James AME Church in Arcadia, led by Rev. Kevin L. Clayton Sr.
Following the official program, attendees are invited to fellowship, dine, and participate in activities with veterans.
The WM Conrad Veterans Memorial Gardens founders, Stewart A. and Maeoma Williams, along with trustees, encourage veterans, civic groups, faith communities, and residents to attend not only this Memorial Day observance but also the annual Veterans Day event on November 11.
The organization states its ongoing mission is to ensure the legacy of America’s fallen heroes and all who served is honored with dignity, gratitude, and remembrance.
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