Horse Plains VFW places flags for Memorial Day
TRACY SCOTT Valley Press | Valley Press-Mineral Independent | UPDATED 2 days, 22 hours AGO
In a quiet and deeply meaningful display of patriotism and respect, volunteers from the Horse Plains VFW Post 3596 gathered this week at the Plains Cemetery to place American flags beside the headstones of veterans.
The annual tradition, held in the days leading up to Memorial Day, serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served in the United States armed forces.
A light breeze was the only sound heard Friday morning as local veterans gathered to honor those laid to rest in the Plains Cemetery. American flags were carefully placed beside each veteran’s headstone during a ceremony that has taken place for more than 50 years.
Veterans dating back to the Civil War are buried in the cemetery, each headstone representing a life of service to both country and community.
Current VFW Post Commander Ron Kilbury reflected on the importance of the tradition.
“We’re honoring the fallen and letting everyone know they are remembered,” he said.
His term ends in July. Kilbury will be succeeded by Tracy Muse, a veteran with 23 years of service.
Heather Allen, Montana State commander for the Department of Veterans of Foreign Wars, was present to help organize the event. Allen, an Air Force veteran has coordinated the flag program since 2020.
A total of 479 flags were placed beside veterans’ headstones by seven VFW volunteers and 1 from the American Legion Post 52 and four Auxiliary members. Auxiliary members put out 53 flags.
“It went well considering we had half the people to put the flags out that we normally do,” Allen commented.
Navy veteran Bill Beck has been placing American flags on veteran graves for over 20 years. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
Newly elected Post Commander Tracy Muse and his spouse Angela Muse place American flags on veteran graves in preparation for Memorial Day. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
Veteran headstones were honored with American flags for Memorial Day by Plains VFW Post 2596 members. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)