Officials with the Alabama Veterans Museum in Athens are now planning the annual Memorial Day ceremony, but they are calling on the public to help.

At each ceremony, the names of all veterans who have died in the year since the previous service are read aloud. Museum Director Sandy Thompson is seeking information about those men and women.

“This year, in addition to our guest speaker and our laying of the wreaths ceremony, we would like to honor each veteran individually with a picture and information about their military service,” Thompson said. “We are also updating our archive database, so any information will be appreciated.”

Those who know of a veteran who has died since May 29, 2017, are asked to contact the museum at 256-771-7578 or email sndy6732@gmail.com.

Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day was started to honor Union soldiers who had died during the American Civil War. After World War I, it was extended to include all men and women who died in any war or military action.

The annual Memorial Day service is set for 11 a.m. Monday, May 28, at the Limestone County Event Center, 114 W. Pryor St.

About the speaker

The veterans museum’s annual service usually features a decorated member of the military, and this year is no different. Brig. Gen. Robert Rasch, the deputy program executive officer for missiles and space at Redstone Arsenal, will deliver the keynote address.

Rasch, who assumed his duties in September 2016, is responsible for the development, production, fielding and life cycle management of the Army’s missile and space-related systems.

He previously served as the military deputy to the commanding general of the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command at Redstone Arsenal. Before that, he was chief of staff to the assistant secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology in Washington.

Rasch entered the Army through the University of Georgia ROTC Program in 1989, where he was commissioned as an infantry second lieutenant. He graduated with a Bachelors of Business Administration in management information systems. He later received a Masters of Science in computer science from Northwestern University and a Masters of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College.

His military awards and decorations include:

• The Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster;

• Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters;

• Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters;

• Army Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters;

• National Defense Service Medal;

• Southwest Asia Service Medal with two battle stars;

• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal;

• Kuwaiti Liberation Medal;

• Saudi Arabian Kuwait Liberation Medal;

• Army Service Ribbon;

• Overseas Service Ribbon;

• Combat Infantryman Badge;

• Expert Infantryman Badge;

• Ranger Tab; and

• Senior Parachutist Badge.

Rasch is married to the former Shawndell Mann from Sebring, Florida. They have two children — a daughter, Darby, and a son, Michael.