VFW Post 8577 holds Memorial Day remembrance in Copperas Cove

By PAMELA GRANT
Cove Leader-Press

Early Monday morning, members of Cub Scout Troop 251 placed a flag by the grave marker of each veteran buried in the Copperas Cove Cemetery before members of the Olan Forest Smith VFW Post 8577 and its Auxiliary performed a solemn ceremony in remembrance of those brave men and women of the military who gave their lives to protect our country.

The remembrance took place in the Copperas Cove Cemetery because it is where the Post’s namesake, Olan Forest Smith, is buried. Afterwards, they invited everyone to come out to the VFW to enjoy a free meal which was open to the public. The VFW provided hotdogs and hamburgers and the Auxiliary provided desserts and other dishes.

Post Commander Ron Abrahamson said that their VFW has performed a memorial remembrance every year for decades.

As part of their tribute, members of the VFW and Auxiliary placed a wreath and adorned it with red, white, and blue flowers along with an American flag.

“It’s something that we do to memorialize all of our fallen comrades,” said Abrahamson. “They gave the ultimate sacrifice—they gave their lives. We need to remember them.”

Lori Gardner, Cub Master for Troop 251 said that they had between 15 and 20 children that helped by placing flags on the grave markers. Gardner said that she’s a veteran herself. She said that many of the children have parents or other family members that are in the military. Gardner said that teaching the children, especially the military children, about the importance of Memorial Day helps give them a sense of pride in where they came from. She said that they also teach the kids about the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day and why they put the flags on the grave markers.

“It teaches them citizenship, respect for those who serve, and flag etiquette,” said John Bellville, Scout Master for Troop 251 about why it’s important to bring the scouts out to the Memorial Day event each year. “It gets them to understand what Memorial Day is all about.”

“It’s important for people to remember those who never made it back,” said Lucy Anistasio, President of the VFW Auxiliary,