USA Flag Tradition Honoring Veterans Continues at Buchanan Oak Ridge Cemetery
by Rebecka Hoyt, Editor & Photographer
9 am Sunday, May 22 2022 was a chilly morning for the members of our community to put flags on the graves of U.S. Veterans who have served our country. The American Legion Ralph Rumbaugh Post 51 has done this for fifty plus years with a breakfast at the legion before heading out.
Lucy Thomas and Hayden Scott who were some of the young flag placers have their Great Grandparents, Walter & Elsie Jane in Oak Ridge Cemetery. A family member of theirs mentioned, “Their Great Grandpa would be proud of them for doing this.” The Hickock Family, Redbud Roots employees, members of the community, the legion which was led by Larry Money (alternate national executive committee, his national position/official title; and Buchanan City Commissioner) were those who volunteered their time to place the flags.
177 flags are placed on the back of each white cross in Veterans Circle and many more throughout the rolling hills of the cemetery. May I take you back to last year, Veterans Circle received new sod, and now it is beautiful with lush green, white crosses, some flowers also adorn the headstones, and flags. Take a walk into Veterans Circle at the Terre Coupe Road entrance to enjoy the beauty and pay your respects to our Veterans.
On Memorial Day, after the 10 o’clock parade is done, a ceremony will take place in Veterans Circle. Later in the day at 3pm you may hear Taps being played throughout downtown Buchanan on the corners of Front Street. I encourage you to be there to experience the sounds of Taps.
The Buchanan Chronicle wants to thank all of our past Veterans who have served our country. Thank you for all that you have done and given.
About Oak Ridge Cemetery: Oak Ridge Cemetery has a total of 45 acres, of which 35 are developed, with 10 acres available in the near future. The cemetery is maintained by two (2) full time city employees, with assistance from part time employees during summer mowing, and fall leaf removal. Burials, funeral assistance, and foundation installations are also performed by city employees.
Website: www.cityofbuchanan.com/public-services/page/cemetery
About American Legion Ralph Rumbaugh Post 51: Buchanan Auxiliary is a volunteer program, gives back hours to its communities and to veterans, and raises dollars to support its own programs, as well as other worthwhile charities. The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness.
403 E Front St
269-695-6633
legionpost51@yahoo.com
Meetings 1st Thursday each month at 7pm
Auxiliary American Legion – Buchanan Post 51 Facebook Page HERE.
The Buchanan Chronicle 