Memorial service to honor military courage
There is courage in community citizenship, and then there is courage in military service. Both deserve honor, especially those who have given their lives in service.
Faith and family usually team up to formally remember ‘the fallen.’
Over 101 flags will wave from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Alexander’s Park to honor the dead who have served our country. Their names are listed in the Memorial Day Service folder and their surviving family members care for their flag throughout the day, and especially following the 11 a.m. service Monday, May 26 in the Alexander City Hall. After the service, folks follow leadership out to the park for the laying of the wreath, the bugle tone of Taps and a volley of gun fire salute.
The Memorial Day program is then followed by a community potluck, supported and organized by the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary, named in memory of World War I veteran Forrest E. Williams. The new memorial wreath to be ceremonially laid in the park, comes as gift from the Tim Dwyer Trust.
Caring to remember these veterans is important work and everyone is welcome to attend program and potluck. It is likewise important to provide care for the service members and families still living.
Therefore, the 10 members meeting as the Forrest E. Williams American Legion unit #94 planned a Yellow Ribbon and Bake Sale to be held Saturday, June 7 in Alexander’s Park during the Lion’s Club Burger’s in the Park event. Yellow Ribbon will be available for a donation, in addition to the usual baked goods. The community is welcome to also donate baked goods to the effort. Proceeds will support an emergency fund for soldiers and their families.
Poppies are available by donation at the local cafe.
New officers for the auxiliary unit will be installed at 5 p.m., June 18 in the Alexander Senior Citizen Center during the regular meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Dale A. Swenson, Auxiliary president