Make Memorial Day a day to remember our Fallen Comrades

May 20, 2009 - PRLog -- Boise, Idaho .  Members of Capitol City Post 63 of the VFW will remember their fallen comrades this Memorial Day with a number of activities beginning with services at the Idaho Veterans Cemetery  The public is encouraged to join the VFW and other veteran’s groups at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery on Monday at 10 am.  The celebration will include a wreath laying ceremony, the Idaho Army National Guard’s 25th Army Band, an Idaho Air National Guard flyover and a number of distinguished speakers.

Parking is available at the Optimists Soccer field parking lots and shuttles will be available to take people to the cemetery.

Following the service, a Barbecue will be hosted by Capitol City Post 63 of the VFW, the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans at Veteran’s Memorial Park.  This is open to the public and will begin at 12:00 Noon.  

Memorial Day is a solemn holiday where we can remember and be grateful for those, in the words of Lincoln, “have given their last full measure of devotion.”  

The National Moment of Remembrance, established by Congress, asks Americans wherever they are at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day to pause in an act of national unity.  3 PM local was chosen as a time when most Americans are enjoying and exercising their freedoms.  

Capitol City Post 63 will also place flags at Morris Hill and Dry Creek Cemeteries.  This is an annual custom where VFW members and volunteers place flags near the graves of veterans.  Not only does this create a beautiful view in the cemetery, but it is a way of helping the public to recognize to meaning behind the holiday.  This also provides a wonderful opportunity to teach our youth about the meaning of Memorial Day, and allows them to serve others as well.

The VFW post is in the midst of its annual Buddy Poppy Campaign.  This was kicked off on Friday, May 15th by a proclamation by Boise Mayor Dave Bieter. The annual campaign will run through Memorial Day, Monday, May 25th at a number of public locations around Boise where VFW volunteers will distribute Buddy Poppies.  Please look for VFW volunteers at stores and venues in town and give generously.

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About the VFW and Capitol City Post 63

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States is a nonprofit veterans' service organization composed of combat veterans. Founded in 1899 and chartered by Congress in 1936, the VFW is the nation's largest and oldest organization of war veterans.

Capitol City Post 63 is the oldest and largest post in the State of Idaho. Capitol City Post 63 and its Auxiliary are dedicated to "honor the dead by helping the living" by serving veterans directly, sponsoring youth programs, conducting Buddy Poppy drives and providing military service programs. For more information, to join or volunteer, visit the VFW Post 63 Web site at www.vfwpost63.org.