Resources for Veterans: June 6, 2022

Greetings! I was honored to join with American Legion members, on Friday morning, to place flags on Veteran graves at the New Rockford cemetery. It was really something to see all those flags on the graves of so many heroes we have lain to rest in our own backyard. If you visited a friend or family grave that should have had a flag, but didn't, please reach out to the American Legion to notify them.

I would also like to make a map of our cemetery identifying where veterans are lain to rest. This would help make sure we are honoring all veterans in the New Rockford cemetery. If anyone knows of something like this, already in existence, I would like to have a copy instead of reinventing it.

Thank you for all of you who came out to the park on Monday for the Memorial Day ceremony. Although it was a little brisk outside, the ceremony took place as scheduled. The ceremony started at the New Rockford Park with a welcome from the Legion Command, Ron Anderson. Everyone participated in the singing of the "National Anthem" with the aid of the Legion's new portable sound system, following the invocation, Post Chaplain, Gary Coon. After readings by the members of the American Legion, there was a Laying of the Wreath. Taps was played and all the guests present reassembled at the cemetery for additional readings, presentation of the Flowers and lowering of the Flags. We finished before the rain started. For everyone that came to participate or support the ceremony, you are appreciated. And to our veterans and their families, thank you for your service!

I noticed that many homes and businesses around town have new flags. They look so nice. But now what do you do with the old flags? The US Flag has a specific protocol that needs to be followed to be retired.

According to the US Flag Code, "The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning."

There will be flag disposal boxes placed at the American Legion and the Eddy County court house, starting Monday, June 6. The flags will be collected from these sites periodically and a proper retirement ceremony will be followed by the American Legion.

Thank you for all your continued support. I am available Monday and Thursday in the office and by phone during the week. Please come by and introduce yourself. I would like to hear your ideas on how I help support veterans and their families in our area! You can reach me at 701-302-8087, or [email protected].