Plains VFW Post 3596 remembers the fallen

SCOTT SHINDLEDECKER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 5 years, 10 months AGO

PLAINS VFW member Gary Jenson, a Navy vet, prepares to toss a wreath into the Clark Fork River last Saturday during the group’s annual remembrance of those who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. (Scott Shindledecker/Valley Press)

PLAINS VFW member Ron Kilbury places an American flag at a memorial at the Plains Cemetery last Saturday during the group’s annual remembrance of those who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. (Scott Shindledecker/Valley Press)

PLAINS VFW and Auxiliary members present colors during their ceremony at the Clark Fork River bridge last Saturday. The event was well attended by veterans and community members. (Scott Shindledecker/Valley Press)

PLAINS VFW members, from left, Ron Kilbury, Chaplain Otto Otnes, Senior Vice Commander Michael Brinson, Junior Vice Commander Dave Tupper and Officer of the Day, Charles “Ole” Oelschlager, participate in the group’s annual remembrance of those who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. (Scott Shindledecker/Valley Press)

Saturday evening in Plains, members of the Plains VFW Post 3596 gathered at the Plains Cemetery for a ceremony to honor the deceased who served in the armed forces.

Saturday was May 30, the original Memorial Day. It was observed on that day regardless of the day of the week, from 1868 to 1970.

Post Commander Ron Kilbury, a veeran of both the Army and Navy, spoke about the importance of remembering those who made the sacrifices of serving so that others may enjoy the freedoms Americans do.

Kilbury said the post has been decorating service members graves for at least 50 years.

“It’s to honor those who have served and passed and also to remember the price that has been paid,” Kilbury said.

After the service at the cemetery, the group moved to the Clark Fork River bridge next to the Sanders County Fairgrounds, where Gary Jenson tossed a wreath into the water to honor the sea-going services – Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps.