On Monday morning, a group of people from Powell and the surrounding area (as well as an American Legion member from Elko, Nevada) gathered at Crown Hill Cemetery to honor the men and women who served who are buried on the grounds, as well as those who gave “their last full measure of devotion” in service to America in the U.S. Armed Forces. 

It was a pleasure to witness the event alongside a couple dozen others, who watched the American Legion honor guard perform a brief, yet powerful, service. 

These American Legion members ought to be commended in what they do. A couple of hours later, while I was driving through town once again, this time with my son, on an errand, we saw part of the wreath laying service at the memorial wall outside of the American Legion. Once again, these volunteers were taking time out of their day to honor those who died defending our freedom to do whatever we wanted with our day. 

Over the years, having covered many Memorial Day services, I am struck by the dedication of those who attend and those who put on these services, year after year. Since my father-in-law died and was given a funeral with full military honors, the 21-gun salute I hear each year at a memorial service, whether in Cody or Powell, has struck me more personally, as I remember his flag-draped coffin, the flag being folded, and the three rounds of firing. 

But I don’t know exactly how veterans who lost friends overseas feel when they participate in such a service. I can only imagine the pain they must feel in remembering. So, while I spend my Memorial Days taking some small time out of my day to remember those who gave all, I also think of those who sacrifice their time to remember those we’ve lost.