As a somber crowd gathered at Crown Hill Cemetery on Monday, a light breeze blew through the hundreds of flags placed around single-lane roadways and on veterans' graves at the Powell burial grounds.

The honor guard stood at attention while spectators gathered on the west side of the memorial; avoiding the guards, who would be shooting the salute to the east. The white gloves of the guard contrasted with the deep patina of well used ceremonial weapons as they stood like statues until commands were given loud and proud.

Their covers were as varied as their service. Wrapped in patches and pins, most wore their covers of the Hughes Pittinger Post 26 American Legion and the Sons of the American Legion.

The Sons of the American Legion, created in 1932, is made up of boys and men of all ages whose parents or grandparents served in the United States military. Together, members of the American Legion, Sons of the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary, which advocate for veterans, educates citizens, mentors youth and promotes patriotism, good citizenship, peace and security, make up what is known as the Legion Family.

It's all about veterans and family, many of whom were left behind, according to Post 26 Commander Steven J. Olsen.

"For those who served. For those who sacrificed. For those who never came home. For the families who carry their memory forward. We are here for them," he said in a short speech prior to the salute and playing of taps.

Honor guard member Chris Hoellwarth was nervous prior to the services. It was his first public event since he replaced long-time bugler Tom Bibbey.

Bibbey gave 27 years to the organization and rarely missed a beat. He began playing the bugle well before he served in the Air Force from 1959 to 1965 as an intelligence officer, serving overseas during much of his years of active duty.

Bibbey couldn't stand to step away and was present in uniform for his first post-retirement Memorial Day ceremony.

There is shortage of buglers to play taps at military funerals and holidays and it has become a widespread issue across the country. Because there are not enough active-duty military musicians to cover the thousands of veteran deaths each day, funeral honor guards are frequently forced to use ceremonial "electronic bugles" (hidden speakers) to play a digital recording.

However, there is no shortage of those who wish to serve further after they or a family member returned from service. That is how the Legion family operates. And at Post 26, that family extends into the community.

The Legion is a safe place for families. They offer their facility to food donations and distribution; the auxiliary takes care of making sure those in the community needing a hand up have their support. They also have weekly events, including Taco Tuesdays (free to the public) and holiday themed parties. It is also home to Scout Troop 26, helping to prepare our future leaders and enlistees for service to their country and community.

"The truest way to honor the fallen is to live lives worthy of their sacrifice. That means strengthening our communities, helping our fellow veterans, supporting military families and teaching the next generation what this day truly means," Olsen said.