Huntington American Legion Post 73 paid tribute to the veterans buried in Elmo, Cleveland, Lawrence and Huntington cemeteries on Monday. At each, Commander Ray Quinn spoke of the importance of remembering those who sacrificed so much for all of us. Post chaplain Jerry Livingston gave an opening invocation and Jennie Olson from the Unit 73 Auxiliary read “At Flanders Fields.” Following her rendition, commander Quinn recited “That Ragged Old Flag,” which he did in tribute to Blake Jones, who had recited it for many years previously.
Quinn then commanded the gun salute and playing of “Taps.” The American Flag was raised from half to full mast during the performance. Audiences were then invited to walk the cemeteries and pay a silent tribute to all the fallen service individuals buried there.
At the same time, the ceremonies in Carbon County were also being hosted. The Price City Cemetery, Cliffview, Helper, Wellington, East Carbon and Sunnyside cemeteries were all visited throughout the day by community members, family and veterans to witness the ceremonies conducted by the members of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign War (VFW).
Beautiful words were spoken about the fallen soldiers by the members of the legion and VFW, touching on the ultimate sacrifice that they gave for the county and the freedom that it represents. A prayer was spoken, followed by a gun salute and the historically performed “Taps.” At the conclusion of each ceremony, the American Legion and VFW were sure to thank those that took the time out of their day to attend and pay tribute to those that Memorial Day is for.
