Flags to honor graves

The last Monday in May, Memorial Day, is a federal holiday for honoring and mourning the military personnel who have died in the performance of their military duties while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

The Bandera American Legion Post 157 invites everyone to participate in honoring our hometown heroes by visiting cemeteries and placing flags to honor and mourn those who died while serving in the U.S. Military.

Those who wish to participate in flag placement on graves at Bandera and St. Stanislaus cemeteries will meet at Bandera Cemetery on Route 173 at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 28.

Teams will then proceed to the two St. Stanislaus locations. Veterans’ graves will be honored starting at Oak Rest Cemetery on Route 16 in Medina at 10:00 a.m. the same day.

Teams will then proceed to place flags there and also at West Prong cemetery off Ranch Road 337.

The flags will be retrieved on June 1, 2021, starting at 9:00 a.m. at all locations. Once the flags are removed, they should be returned to the Bandera American Legion Post 157 at 205 12 Street for proper storage and disposal as appropriate.

Bandera County has a strong history of service to community and nation and our history includes many young men and women who died while serving the nation in a variety of uniforms and around the world.

“Ceremonies are important. But our gratitude has to be more than visits to the troops and one-a-year Memorial Day ceremonies. We honor the dead best by treating the living well.”, said Jennifer Granholm, Governor of Michigan from 2003-2011.

In special recognition of our fallen service personnel, the Bandera Professional Rodeo Association welcomes all active-duty military and veterans free admission to the PRCA Rodeo on May 28, 29 and 30 with proper identification. American Legion members will be on hand to quickly check and guide them to the proper entrance.

For more information on how you can pay tribute, contact Dennis Birchall, 210-788-1404 or 830-796-7528.

Susan Junker is the Commander of Bandera American Legion Post 157.