In whatever way you may individually or with a group observe Memorial Day, whether it is with a religious service or going on a vacation, take a look as you pass by our local cemeteries and see the number of American flags dispersed throughout these cemeteries and know freedom is never free and always has a price. In Arlington National Cemetery 230,000 American flags were placed on our deceased veterans graves this year in preparation for Memorial Day.
Preceding the Memorial Day observance several groups such as American Legion Posts and VFW organizations place American flags on veteran grave sites. On May 27, volunteer members of the American Legion Greenbrier Post #26 along with several volunteers, placed American flags on deceased veteran’s graves in the Ronceverte, Greenbrier County area for the annual Memorial Day observance. Volunteers and Post #26 Legion members consider this activity an honor as well as a privileged opportunity of remembrance for veterans to be recognized in this manner and distinction. Unfortunately, each year Post #26 must add a few more flags to the number placed on the graves of our fallen heroes within the Ronceverte area cemeteries.
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died having served in the country’s armed forces. Memorial Day was officially proclaimed on May 5, 1868 by General John Logan, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in his General Order No. 11, and was first observed on May 30, 1868, when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. The observance of Memorial Day, now a national holiday, is celebrated throughout our country.
American Legion Greenbrier Post #26 members and volunteers try hard not to miss any veteran’s grave site but it does occur. When volunteers pick up flags we sometimes pick up a flag which does not belong to the American Legion. We ask forgiveness for this oversight.
American Legion Greenbrier Post #26 places flags within the following Cemeteries: Riverview, Anderson, Sunset, Ketron, Adwell, Lincoln, James Chapel, Honaker, Morgan, McClean, Elizabeth Chapel, Greenbrier Baptist, Bethel Pentecostal and Salem.
American Legion Greenbrier Post #26 regular meetings are held on the first Monday of each month at the Clifford Armory/Ronceverte Recreational Center. Call Commander Burdette at 304-661-4979 for further information about American Legion membership and meeting times. Guests are always welcome.