MEMORIAL DAY

 
 
Updated March 31, 2025
 
 

Memorial Day, May 30 (traditional), is a sacred day to all war veterans. America's collective consciousness demands that all citizens be reminded of the deaths of their fellow countrymen during wartime. By honoring the nation's war dead, we preserve their memory and thus their service and sacrifice. All U.S. flags should be displayed at half-staff during the morning hours. At noon, they should be raised back to full-staff.

The Meaning of Memorial Day

It is a sacred day to all war veterans: None need to be reminded of the reason that Memorial Day must be commemorated. But what about the general public, and more important, future generations? Do most non-veterans really recognize the importance of the day honoring their fellow Americans killed in war? 

Judging from what Memorial Day has become a simply another day off from work the answer is a resounding no. Perhaps a reminder is due, then. And it is the duty of each and every veteran to relay the message. 

Sacrifice is meaningless without remembrance. Americas collective consciousness demands that all citizens recall and be aware of the deaths of their fellow countrymen during wartime. 

Far too often, the nation as a whole takes for granted the freedoms all Americans enjoy. Those freedoms were paid for with the lives of others few of us actually knew. That is why they are all collectively remembered on one special day. 

This should be regarded as a civic obligation. For this is a national debt that can only be truly repaid by individual Americans. By honoring the nations war dead, we preserve their memory and thus their service and sacrifice in the memories of future generations. 

They came from all walks of life and regions of the country. But they all had one thing in common love of and loyalty to country. This bond cemented ties between them in times of trials, allowing a diverse lot of Americans to achieve monumental ends. 

We remember the loss of loved ones, a sense of loss that takes group form. In essence, America is commemorating those who made the greatest sacrifice possible giving ones own life on behalf of others. 

Means of paying tribute vary. Pausing for a few moments of personal silence is available to everyone. 

Attending commemorative ceremonies is the most visible way of demonstrating remembrance: Placing flags at gravesites, marching in parades, sponsoring patriotic programs, dedicating memorials and wearing Buddy Poppies are examples. 

Whether done individually or collectively, it is the thought that counts. Personal as well as public acts of remembering are the ideal. Public displays of patriotism are essential if the notion of remembering war dead is to be instilled in youth. 

As Americas older war veterans fast disappear from societys landscape, there are fewer and fewer standard-bearers left to carry the torch of remembrance. Such traditions will live on only if there is a vibrant movement to which that torch can be passed. 
 
Typical Memorial Day Events at VFW Post 4031
VFW Post 4031 sponsors several Memorial Day events.  A ceremony is held at 10:00AM Vietnam Memorial in Iris Park. This is followed by a ceremony at Greenmount Cemetery at 11:00AM, then a wreath laying on the Animas River behind Rotary Park at 12:00. The Post then holds an Open House at 12:30 PM.

On the Saturday prior to Memorial Day VFW Post 4031 sponsors placing flags on veterans graves in Greenmount Cemetery. Volunteers are needed to put flags on Veteran's Graves. On Memorial Day the Post places flags throughout Durango starting at 6:30AM and picks the flags up at 6:30PM. Volunteers are needed for the placing of these flags. Volunteers should bring a large Phillips Screwdriver.

Memorial Day Events 2024
 
May is a Busy Month at VFW Post 4031. The events leading up to and including Memorial Day, are both educational and fun for the entire family. The following are the known events in which VFW Post 4031 is participating.
May 6th: VFW National Day of Service, 10:00 at Greenmount Cemetery to clean the Veterans Memorial.
May 25th and 26th: VFW Buddy Poppy Drive at various locations in La Plata County.
May 24th, 25th, 26th and 27th: Healing Field at Santa Rita Park. May 24th 8:30 PM Opening Ceremony, May 24th 9:00 PM Healing Field Lighting Ceremony, May 27th 4:00 PM Closing Ceremony. Healing Field is sponsored by the Blue Star Mothers.
May 25th: Iron Horse Classic Train Ride to Silverton.
May 25th: Flag Placement on Veterans Graves, 10:00 Greenmount Cemetery. Volunteers are welcome. Meet at the Legion Memorial.
May 27th: Vietnam Veteran Remembrance Ceremony, 10:00 at Iris Park.
May 27th: Veterans Memorial Remembrance Ceremony, 11:00 at Greenmount Cemetery.
May 27th: Veterans Lost at Sea Remembrance Ceremony, 12:00 at Rotary Park.
May 27th: 12:00 - 3:00 PM VFW Post 4031 Open House. Everyone is welcome.
 
View our Memorial Day 2024 Flyer by clicking on the thumbnail below.

 
 
Past Memorial Day Photos
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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