Richard D. L. Fulton
(5/26) "I think there is one higher office than president and I would call that patriot." - Gary Hart
Dozens of participants and attendees converge on the Harney Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post May 27 in Harney to honor the community’s and the nation’s fallen soldiers.
The ceremony was kicked-off with more than a dozen members of the Maryland Chapter of the Patriot Guard escorting the VFW post honor guard to Mountain View and Sunrise cemeteries where tribute was paid to the veterans buried at those locations.
Marine (retired) Sergeant Major Elaine May presented a prayer at each of the cemeteries, and Tina Grimes delivered an outstanding rendition of Amazing Grace.
The honor guard then fired a 21-gun salute at each of the cemeteries, with the Patriot Guard escorting the participants back to the VFW post.
Once the group was re-assembled at the post, the ceremony was presided over by VFW member and event organizer Frank M. Rauschenberg amid concerns that darkening skies might threaten the event.
However, the rain held off for the duration of the open-air ceremonies.
Following opening remarks by post Commander Albert Angell, each fallen warrior was mentioned by name accompanied with the ringing of a bell in tribute.
Member Iris Rodgers the performed God Bless America, as the US flag was raised then lowed to half mast, accompanied by the playing of Taps, played by Ken Strickhouser and Tom Williams.
The ceremony concluded with a 21-gun salute fired by the post honor guard.
The post commemoration was subsequently followed by the local VFW’s Good Old Days, which featured food and beverages at costs reminiscent of prices of days gone by.
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