Memorial Day Ceremony At Veterans Park
Author: Matt Nelson
Matt Nelson
Members of the Townsend / Broadwater County American Legion Post 42 hosted their annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Veterans Park (across from the Broadwater County Courthouse). Approximately 60 people showed up, including the Post 42 participants and the general public. Many people wore baseball hats depicting the different branches of the military they had served. The most common were Vietnam veterans or those who served elsewhere during the Vietnam War, followed by those who had served in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Post 42 Commander Linda Cousineau started off the ceremony, and Holly Hendrickson, one of the Ladies Auxiliary Chaplains, then said a prayer for our nation’s fallen heroes. Linda Cousineau introduced the guest speaker, Townsend Mayor Vicki Rouser. Peggy Long, the Ladies Auxiliary President, also spoke, followed by the second Chaplain, Judy Lund. After that, we all sang our National Anthem.
Many tears were shed as all of the speakers spoke very highly and very emotionally of our departed veterans, going back to the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, World War 1, World War II, the Korean War, and of course the Viet Nam, Afghanistan and Iraq wars. Each speaker mentioned the sacrifices all the veterans made, as they fought for our wonderful country, not only giving up their lives, but also how their losses affected their own futures, and the sadness that their parents, wives, husbands, brothers and sisters, and children, and other relatives endured. Their patriotism was brought up.
Jesus said in John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
People attending were given the opportunity to bring up the names of their lost relatives, going back to the World Wars. When they spoke, a bell was rung. Although members of Post 42 who died in the past year were mentioned, the only ones this writer clearly heard were Bill Kearns, Sharon Doig, and Roland Heaton. My apologies for not mentioning the other ones.
Also present were members of the color guard, Jennifer Dalry, Dennis, Hovden, Roy Howard, Troy Hendrickson, and Dean Nygaard. Towards the end of the ceremony, they fired a 3-gun salute. Taps were played, and the American Flag was raised at the Veterans Park.
After the ceremony, free hamburgers and hot dogs were given away at the American Legion Post 42 facility. May thanks go to the members there, and to all of our veterans, both living and those who have passed.
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PhotoCredit: Matt Nelson
Image 1 Caption: American Legion Post 42 Commander Linda Cousineau and Guest Speaker Vicki Rauser speaking at Veterans Park.
Photo Credit: Matt Nelson
