Observance Memorial Day

“There are three main days a year set aside to recognize those in the armed forces. Armed Forces Day is for those still in uniform, Veterans Day recognizes those who have served, and Memorial Day honors those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving. There are many ceremonies and gatherings across the country, including quite a few across Treasure Valley each Memorial Day. This year, the Boise Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 63 had its first Memorial Day gathering since COVID and we had a great turnout.

We started the day at 9 a.m. with some volunteers coming in to cook and set up before we opened the doors to a few early arrivals at 11 a.m. We had many Post members and their families come by as well as members of Vets That Ride, a group of local motorcycle clubs that have supported our Post and local veterans over the years, to share comradeship and some food while enjoying the weather. We even had Col. Rick Johnson come by in his Jeep — he leads the team that fires the cannons at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery. Everyone had a great time, celebrated and remembered our friends and comrades who are not with us anymore, and enjoyed the day. While we didn’t have the attendance we’ve seen in the past, we are hopeful that it will improve each year. Here are some pictures of the event, including the Fallen Comrade Table, which is set up to remind us of those military service members who have fallen, are missing in action, or are prisoners of war.” 

– Eric Larsen, Senior Data Flow Engineer