VFW and American Legion prepare to commemorate Memorial Day

American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars are preparing to commemorate Memorial Day Monday, working with the newly re-established VFW Auxillary.

“We encourage all who are able to join us in this honor,” VFW Post 497 Commander Bill Tucker said.

Leslie Johnson of the American Legion, also is helping organize this year’s ceremony said that Sunday at 9 a.m. the American Legion and VFW, with help from the public, will be placing an American flag at each veteran’s headstone at Highland Cemetery.

“On Monday, May 29, Memorial Day services will begin at 11 a.m. at the Hill County Courthouse with American Legion Commander Dave Brewer officiating.”

Tucker said the VFW stores and maintains all the flags for both the courthouse and cemetery ceremonies.

He said that Monday, Memorial Day, the courthouse ceremony will begin with the invocation, raising the flag, the singing of the National Anthem, and reading of the names of the veterans that have passed away since June of 2022. The Honor Guard will present a 21-gun salute while playing TAPs in honor of our comrades.”

Tucker and his spouse carry and post the wreath at the courthouse.

Following the services, the ceremony will continue at Havre Eagles Club, starting with Posting of the Colors by Havre Veterans Honor Guard, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, placing of the POW/MIA sleeve on the empty chair and a POW/MIA table ceremony.

Robert Broskotter will read a letter from Sen. Steve Daines. Then, St. Jude Thaddeus School pupils will read their Americanism essays on the subject of patriotism, and the Elks Club will present an American Flag speech.

The ceremony will end with a free will-donation lunch provided by the American Legion Riders.

At 3 p.m. Monday, the flags at Highland Cemetery will be removed with anyone that would like to help.

The VFW was founded in 1899 and its mission is to foster camaraderie of veterans who have served in conflicts overseas. The VFW helps with supplying money for travel or services, food, and help with any home yard maintenance they are unable to do themselves.

“We ensure veterans are respected for their service,” Tucker said. “We lobby Congress so they receive all entitlements they deserve and the health care they need, as well as offering scholarships through our programs. Patriot Pen is an essay contest for junior high and middle school, the Voice of Democracy is for high school students.”

“We also have programs that honor our local first responders and teachers,” Tucker added, “We are here to lend an ear to veterans who need to talk about their experiences with someone who can understand their issues and we can assist them in obtaining any services needed.”

The American Legion is the nation’s largest nonprofit veteran’s service organization, formed on March 15, 1919, in Paris by the officers and men of the American Expeditionary Forces and was chartered Sept. 16, 1919, by the United States Congress.

The organization is committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in the community, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to fellow service members and veterans.

In 2022, the Havre Legion Riders were able to raise and donate more than $10,000 to the Montana Wounded Warriors. Additionally, Havre’s Legion Riders developed a scholarship program in 2022 and, for a second year in a row, awarded $500 to graduating Havre High School seniors whose parents or grandparents are veterans.