Local Veterans Lower The Flag on Memorial Day

By JESSICA PETERSON

The Progress

A small group quietly gathered at the entrance of the Pioneer Cemetery in Overton on the evening of Memorial Day, May 30. The group, led by members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Elwood Perkins Post 8336 and its Auxiliary, respectfully observed the day with a flag retreat service in memory of American servicemen fallen in the line of duty.

It was a beautiful and unusually cool evening for late May. Around a dozen onlookers arrived early to pay their respects and visit the graves of loved ones in the cemetery. The evening ceremony generally sees a lower attendance and is perhaps more reflective and intimate than the early morning flag raising ceremony.

At 7 pm sharp, the color guard formed a line at the cemetery entrance. Local veteran Darcy Bushman led the way, followed by VFW members Sterling Akers, Michael Moriarty, and Stacy Nelson. Each member was dressed in full VFW uniform as they marched from the cemetery entrance to the flagpole.

Bushman lowered the flag and members of the color guard stepped forward to carefully gather and gently fold it. The flag was then respectfully carried away from the grounds, flanked by the rest of the guard.

VFW members returned to present a brief but solemn memorial service. One by one they stepped up to the foot of the Veteran’s Memorial to place a wreath, a flag, and flowers in red, white, and blue. Each item symbolized virtues of their fallen comrades: remembrance, purity, devotion, and eternity.

“[These emblems] immortalize the brave deeds of our military personnel who have given their lives on land, on sea, and in the air,” said VFW auxiliary junior vice president Lorraine O’Dell.

The services concluded with a moment of silence and a silent salute from the line of veterans. All attendees stood and placed a hand over their hearts as a recording of “Taps” was played.
“Thanks for coming, ya’ll,” Bushman called as the crowd dispersed.

The VFW auxiliary performs a flag raising ceremony at 7 am and a flag retreat ceremony at 7 pm every year on Memorial Day. Members of the community are encouraged to come support the local veterans and remember those brave soldiers who gave their lives for their country.