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November 12, 2011 Yesterday Eb and I attended the American Legion Post 260's honouring of our Veterans at the Etna Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. The Legion members had already been to the Callahan Cemetery at 10:00 and would then travel to the Ft. Jones Cemetery at Noon. As usual, it was a very touching ceremony . . . especially when they play the songs from each Branch of Service. 'Anchors Away' always brings back memories of Daddy. I can still recall him telling how during WWII, when over the ship's loudspeaker came the voice of Kate Smith singing, 'God Bless America', there was never a dry eye to be found. Victoria Gamache sang 'The Star Spangled Banner' in beautiful voice. What a Treasure she is for us here in the Valley. Every Veteran buried in a Scott Valley Cemetery had an American Flag at their gravesite. After the ceremony I asked Chet McBroom who removes all those flags that are placed there on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. He said the American Legion members would be at the Cemetery at 9:00 this morning to remove them as a storm is due in. If they leave them out in the weather, it is too difficult to dry them out and they soon become damaged. Sooooooo I made sure I was up and about and headed for the Cemetery about 8:50 this morning. When I got there, almost all the flags in the front section had already been picked up. I found Chet and he said, "Just start wherever you like. We are happy to have the help." I had parked next to Eb's 'Walker people' section, so I began there. I probably only removed about 30 or so flags as the 4 men had arrived earlier than 9:00. They were very gracious in thanking me, so we stopped and talked a few minutes and this is what I learned: American Legion Post 260 places flags in the Catholic Cemetery and in the Ft. Jones Cemetery. They also place flags in 3 Cemeteries in Callahan: Catholic, Callahan and Hayden along with 9 flags in the Indian Cemetery outside Etna off Highway 3. There are also a few other small two or three gravesites elsewhere. These flags are placed just on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Flags placed on the 12 cemeteries on Salmon River are left there all year round. I always think of those who were buried long ago and perhaps no longer have relatives here to come by and place a flower, or just stand for a moment in thankfulness for their time here and the Gifts they brought to this land. These two days a year are sweet remembrance for them I am sure. Wherever
two people have loved, ~
from the Return of the Bird tribes
Unfortunately over the years, there have been only a small number of younger Veterans joining in to help these seasoned Veterans. If you have a Veteran in your family, encourage them to become involved . . . the American Legion Post 260 needs their help. If these heartfelt 'Remembrance Services' are to be carried forward, we need to begin now. AND . . . Chet told me there are a lot of the flags which need to be replaced; however, funds for that are low. So I write this as a BIG thank you to the American Legion Post 260 Faithful and a request for donations for purchasing the much needed flags. Checks
payable and mailed to: Doesn't matter the amount . . . small, medium or large. Every contribution will be gratefully appreciated.
Thank You! Che'usa
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