Ceremonies honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice

While Memorial Day weekends may be filled with barbecues, family get-togethers and weekends at the lake, veterans in Libby and Troy teamed Monday to recall those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

About 250 people — from the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and guests — gathered at Libby Cemetery to memorialize those who have fallen.

Libby VFW Post 1548 Commander Wesley M. Huffman recalled those 650,000 who have died during America’s battles.

“They may not all be Medal of Honor winners, but they are in my heart,” Huffman said.

The ceremony at Libby Cemetery included wreath presentations from the Golden Star Mothers, a national group whose members consist of women who have lost children to war, and various local dignitaries and law-enforcement officials.

National Past President of Golden Star Mothers Valerie Rambo was escorted by other members as she gently placed a wreath to commemorate those who died.

Libby Mayor Doug Roll and Lincoln County Sheriff Roby Bowe were among those who laid wreaths to commemorate the ceremony.

At Libby, there also was a 21-gun salute, which culminated with a rendition of taps from bugler Jenny Chewning.

At Troy, about 35 veterans, auxiliary members of VFW Post 5514 and guests gathered as that post conducted ceremonies at 11 a.m. at Milnor Lake Cemetery and then again at Troy Cemetery. Members of the post hurriedly left the cemetery site to hold a third presentation at Roosevelt Park before a 1 p.m. potluck at its home post.

“This is what we do for the veterans,” said Troy Commander Mark Olson.

The Troy Cemetery ceremony lasted about 15 minutes, concluding as Officer of the Day John Erickson lowered the flag from half-staff and then raised it to full glory.

Members of the post and their auxiliary gathered to commemorate the day before they whisked off to Roosevelt Park.