Memorial Day services honor the fallen

This year’s ceremonies may be the last in Byron and Cowley, commander states

Amid the patriotic songs, rifle salutes, moving remarks and mournful playing of “Taps” at Monday’s Memorial Day services at three area cemeteries came a surprise announcement from Jim Thomas, master of ceremonies and the commander of Robert Boyd Stewart American Legion Post 11.

Near the conclusion of the ceremonies in Byron and Cowley, Thomas announced that Monday’s ceremonies would be the last in the two communities unless the Legion post receives more members to assist the aging members who conduct graveside services for fallen veterans and conduct special programs for Memorial Day and Veterans Day. An appeal for membership was also made at the Lovell ceremony.

Post 11 has not had a new membership application in more than two years, Thomas said, while several members have either passed away or are no longer able to physically conduct services. Many members are now in their late 70s or 80s, and for the first time this year, the color guard and rifle squad did not march in at each site to the beat of a drummer to begin each ceremony, with chairs lined up for the members to sit on.

Thomas said he knows there are many veterans in the area with whom he has had conversations and, thus, knows of their proud service, and he made an appeal for any and all veterans to join the Legion and assist with the services and ceremonies.

Remarks

Thomas began each service Monday by noting that, since the founding of the United States, it is estimated that 558 million Americans and immigrants have lived in this country, and more than 1.1 million of them have died defending the United States in wars and combat action since the American Revolution. 

“They each have stories to tell ­— the crosses at Normandy, the graves at Arlington, the markers at Punchbowl, the fallen heroes who rest in peace in places unknown,” Thomas said. “We are here for them.”

After Thomas’ opening remarks, post member Tim DeFuentes laid a wreath of flowers at each cemetery in honor of fallen service members, and members of the Lovell High School Choir, who Thomas praised for their attendance at the end of the school year, sang the National Anthem and a medley of patriotic songs under the direction of Carisa French.

“Taps” with an echo was played by Dale Fowler and David Peck.

Keynote speaker

Longtime local Wyoming National Guardsman William Anderson was Monday’s keynote speaker, and after reading his biography, Thomas praised Anderson for his service to the Big Horn County Search and Rescue squad.

“Today as we take this time to remember our fallen, I have been asked to speak on this Memorial Day,” Anderson began. “What I lean into most for this address is the traditions and reasons we take this opportunity to remember our service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice for duty, country and their compatriots.”

Anderson presented the history of Memorial Day, stating that the day of remembrance started with Decoration Day in the wake of the Civil War “providing an opportunity for all to mourn and recognize those lost by adorning the graves with spring flowers.

“After World War I,” he continued, “it began to transition to those lost in any conflict and also brought the use for recognition with the red poppy from the poem ‘In Flanders Fields.’ During that transition it was increasingly referred to as Memorial Day but was not officially designated until 1967.

“Originally recognized on May 30, it was transitioned to the last Monday in May in 1971. A National Moment of Remembrance was added in 2000 (for citizens) to pause at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day with a minute of silence to remember and recognize the fallen collectively nationwide.”

Anderson noted the many citizens in attendance at each site and praised them for their attendance.

“As we gather together this Memorial Day to remember those of our communities and our families, I also remember a tradition among veterans to communicate to family members and others their visit to graves with the leaving of coins to indicate their presence and affiliation by the denomination of the coin left,” he said. “We all mourn and remember those lost in our own ways but take the opportunity to be here collectively at this recognized time to say thank you to the fallen, thank you to their families for their sacrifices and condolences for their losses, and that we will remember.

“We offer compassion to those in need of compassion and support to those who need to know they are not alone. I offer my thanks to you all for attending these services today and my condolences for those of you whom have suffered losses. May we ever stand strong together.”