Approximately 80 people joined the James D Piper VFW Post
12118 on Memorial Day in the Copperopolis Cemetery for the annual Memorial Day
flag raising ceremony to commemorate those who have served our Country.
The ceremony commenced with the
pledge of allegiance and the National Anthem led by the Copper Hills 4H. It was
followed by the heart stopping sound of a 21 gun salute from the VFW Post 12118
Honor Guard followed by a slow lowering of the flag as the haunting sounds of
Taps was played, signifying the ‘Fallen Warriors End’ the end of a journey. Hats
were removed, hands were placed over hearts and tears filled the eyes of many.
Bouquets of white for purity, blue
for eternity and red for memory of the heroic dead who have fallen in defense
of the United States were placed at the base of the flagpole by officers within
the VFW. A wreath was placed beside the flowers by the President of the Ladies
Auxiliary symbolizing remembrance.
Closing the ceremony, Cub Scout Pack
347 and local girl scouts sang My Country Tis of Thee.
The veterans then paired up with the
children of Copper Hills 4H and Cub Scout Pack 347 to place flags on the 38 known graves of veterans
who are laid to rest in the Copperopolis Cemetery.
“The freedoms we enjoy today have been earned with these fallen veterans lives.” Said Gilbert.
