FARMINGTON – After a weekend of remembrance and the long awaited dedication of the National World War II Memorial in the nation’s capital, local American Legion members and war veterans of every kind decided to pay their own respects.

Monday morning, members of Farmington American Legion Post 28 and several auxiliary members came together to pay homage to those fallen in combat. The events kicked off with a small ceremony in front of the World War I memorial, where legion members got a chance to say a couple of words and in some cases a prayer.

Following the small gathering, post members as well as many others who served in the armed forces reconvened inside the legion post on High Street.

Kaitlyn Hall, granddaughter to Auxiliary member Kamilla Hall sang the national anthem and led the audience in “America the Beautiful.”

Post chaplain Robert Stevens led the audience in the memorial prayer and benediction, while Department Adjutant Horace LaBree gave a stirring Memorial Day address. LaBree spoke about what it meant to be a veteran and the importance of duty, honor and country to a veteran.

“The veteran is that which others did not wish to be, he went where others failed to go, and did what others feared to do,” said LaBree.

Immediately following the service the annual parade began its down High Street, onto Anson street and eventually made its way down Main Street to Riverside Cemetery. Members of the local fire department, as well as Boy and Girl scouts, the Old Crow Indian Band, and members of the youth baseball program were part of the parade.

Candy and patriotic beads were thrown into the crowd as the parade marched by onlookers who packed downtown sidewalks.

Small patriotic wreaths were placed at the World War I memorial on upper Main Street, the Civil War monument and the World War II Honor Roll.

American Legion Post Commander Gerald Webber called the dedication in Washington “long overdue” and was pleased to have all 183 members of the Legion take part in the historic day. “This is just something that an ordinary citizen wouldn’t be able to understand,” said Webber.

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