The event is co-sponsored by the Lycoming County Veterans Memorial Park Commission and the Lycoming County Veterans Council, Inc.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Lt. Col. Jonathan D. “JD” Rudman, USAF (Ret.), a highly decorated Air Force veteran with more than two decades of distinguished military service.

Rudman retired from the United States Air Force in 2006 after serving as Assistant Chief,

Operations Training Division at Headquarters Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), where he led operations supporting global special operations missions, weapons and tactics development, and aircrew training transformation.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent The Korean War Veterans color guard presents the colors during the annual Memorial Day service at the Lycoming County Veterans Park. The service included speakers, vocal presentations and laying of wreathes at monuments within the park.

A graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Rudman also earned an MBA from the University of North Dakota and advanced degrees in Human Relations and International Relations from the University of Oklahoma.

During his Air Force career, he served as a B-52 Electronic Warfare Officer and later flew aboard AC-130 aircraft in Air Force Special Operations Command.

He held numerous leadership positions, including command of Detachment 2, 86th Operations Group at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, overseeing multinational electronic warfare training operations throughout Europe.

His military honors include the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and numerous additional awards recognizing excellence in leadership and operational service.

Following his military retirement, Rudman continued serving in leadership roles with Lockheed Martin, MacAulay-Brown, and Alion before fully retiring in 2021.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent The Marine Corp color guard poses for a photo during the annual Memorial Day service at the Lycoming County Veterans Park. The service included speakers, vocal presentations and laying of wreathes at monuments within the park.

He currently resides near Orlando, where he remains active in veterans organizations and community service initiatives.

The Memorial Day ceremony is open to the public. Tents will be provided, and the event will be held rain or shine.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent A wreath is laid at the World War II memorial during the annual Memorial Day service at the Lycoming County Veterans Park. The service included speakers, vocal presentations and laying of wreathes at monuments within the park.

RALPH WILSON/Sun-Gazette Correspondent Taps is played at the conclusion of the annual Memorial Day service at the Lycoming County Veterans Park. The service included speakers, vocal presentations and laying of wreathes at monuments within the park.