VFW honors fallen soldiers

By PAMELA GRANT
Cove Leader-Press

On Monday morning, small American flags marked the grave sites of every military man and woman buried in the Copperas Cove Cemetery.
These flags, waving in the wind, created a somber patriotic backdrop to the Olan Forest Smith Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 8577’s Memorial Day Service. 
Members of the VFW placed a wreath, symbolic of their remembrance, and decorated it with white flowers symbolizing purity and the hope that future generations will emulate the fallen soldiers’ unselfish courage, red flowers symbolizing the blood of the fallen heroes, and blue flowers to immortalize the brave deeds of those who gave their lives.
“As long as two comrades survive—so long will the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States render tribute to our heroic dead,” read Herb Wright, Commander of VFW Post 8577, as part of the Memorial Day Service.
With the memorial service, members of the VFW sought to honor the many soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who gave their lives on land, sea, and air to protect the freedoms of our nation.
“It’s the right thing to do to honor all our fallen warriors,” said Dana Watson, Senior Vice Commander. Watson served 27 years in the Army. “I think it’s an honor to honor our fallen.”
Brian Henry served 21 years in the Army as a food service worker and is now a VFW member. He said that listening to the memorial service filled his heart with patriotism.
“The fallen comrades that have died—we’ve got to remember them some way,” said Henry. “We worry too much about politicians and make things too political, but it’s not about Democrats or Republicans, it’s about those who fight and serve this country and honoring those that died.”
After the Memorial Day Service, the VFW invited members and the community to join them at their location on Veterans Avenue for hot dogs, hamburgers, drinks, and more. Many soldiers and former soldiers took them up on their offer, hanging out, having a good time, and remembering.