VFW Post 1860 Memorial Day Ceremony

The VFW Post 1860 held its annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Panorama Memorial Gardens on May 25th at 11:00am.

Post Commander Jeff Cook welcomed everyone and introduced guest speaker Tom Sayers.  The song “Some Gave All” by Bill Ray Cyrus played before the other comments from the members.

“As long as two comrades survive, so will the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States render tribute to our heroic dead” said Chuck Midkiff, Senior Vice Commander of the Post.

The Commander Jeff Cook called the Post to attention.

“On this day, forever consecrated to our heroic dead, we are assembled once again to express sincere reverence. This grave represents the resting place of many departed comrades serving in all wars. Wherever the body of a comrade lies the ground is hallowed. Our presence here is a solemn commemoration of all these men and women, an expression of our tribute, their devotion to duty, to their courage and to their patriotism. By their services on land, on sea and in the air, they have made us debtors. For the flag of our nation, these United States still flies over a land of free people” said Commander Jeff Cook.

At the entrance of Panorama Memorial Gardens they raised the colors briskly to full staff and played TAPS during the lowering the flag to half-mast. The Commander then dismissed the Post.

Mike McCool, publisher of the Royal Examiner, spoke with Commander Jeff Cook after the ceremony.

Mission of the VFW
There is a common bond that exists between the men and women who have shared the military experience in battle: A shared sense of duty and a common belief in a cause higher than self. Our nations’ veterans chose to serve and by doing so, assumed all the risks associated with maintaining freedom. VFW members are here because they understand the true essence of America and its ideals and beliefs and the price they paid to be eligible to join the ranks of the VFW.

Company Overview
On June 5, 1930, a post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars was formed in Front Royal, VA. A delegation of officers and members from the Harrisonburg Post of the VFW assembled for the occasion. The new Post was instituted by Russell L. Stultz, Department Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.

The Front Royal Post was named Col. Samuel R. Millar Post No. 1860, in honor of this distinguished veteran and civic leader. The Harrison News Record paid this tribute on that date,

“No greater thing can be established as a memorial to anyone than this organization of men who have served the Stars and stripes in foreign fields, and no greater character could have been found to be the guiding star of an organization than that of Colonel Samuel R. Millar.”

“May the organization keep fresh in the minds of it’s members and in the minds of others the wonderful traits of the one in whose memory it was organized.”