By LAAH TUCKER
American Legion Auxiliary
Natoma American Legion Thomas J. Hogan Post 109 Color Guard and the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 109 officers, commemorated the 159th Memorial Day Observance on Monday, May 27. Veterans, members, Eager Beaver 4-H Club, and volunteers posted American flags on veterans' graves at 7 cemeteries in Osborne and Russell Counties. Natoma cemetery’s Avenue of Flags were placed by Post 109, Sons of the American Legion, and Auxiliary. Memorial Day services were observed at Natoma Catholic where WWI Purple Heart recipient Thomas J. Hogan is buried; North Immanuel Lutheran where the memorial bell was rung; Paradise Mount Herman; Natoma City Cemetery Avenue of Flags. The program included Post 109 Commander William Workman and Color Guard; Welcome and Pledge of Allegiance by Jenjer Murphy, Unit 109 president; Revolutionary War to Present Time Veterans’ Archives by Shawna Dunlap, Unit 109 Chaplain. Camdyn Makings and Andreya Lyle presented poppies for each veteran named; Prayer and Message was given by Pastor Thayne Sparke, Codell Community Church. Everyone joined in singing “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” and “God Bless America”. Lucy Alexander concluded the service on trumpet playing “Taps”. A Memorial dedication for Corporal James W. Castor followed on the Post 109 lawn. The community dinner was then served by the American Legion Auxiliary and volunteers in the American Legion Hall in Natoma.
For information: Veterans on cemeteries contact American Legion Auxiliary Archivist Linda Crawford, 785-885-8090; American Legion Auxiliary President, Jenjer Murphy, 785-885-8079. American Legion Post 109 and Sons of the American Legion Commander William Workman, 785-224-7993.
Storyline & photograph by Laah Tucker, American Legion Auxiliary, 785-885-8125 Photograph: Natoma American Legion and Sons of the American Legion Color Guard honored veterans during four services on the 159th Memorial Day Observance in Osborne and Russell Counties.