Your American Legion, Post 117, as it does each May, is gearing up for its Memorial Day activities.

The American Legion is founded on four pillars of service: Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth.

Each of these pillars encompasses a variety of programs that benefit our nation’s veterans, its service members, their families, the youth of America and ordinary citizens.

In May we focus on Americanism.

During May, our volunteers place flags on the graves of all veterans on our side of Madison County.

While special care is taken each year to not miss a grave of a veteran, some are unmarked and may not get a flag right away.

Still others have not made it home, which is why we always display a POW/MIA flag at the post and have a prominently displayed POW/MIA table or Missing Man Table at the post.

We always supply extra flags at the entrance to the cemeteries so that a family member may place one.

You may also bring a picture or very detailed description to the post and we will map it for future reference.

Your Ladies Auxiliary offers poppies, handmade by veterans, as one of their annual fundraisers this time of year and to remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The tradition of wearing a poppy dates back to 1920, when it became the memorial flower of The American Legion Family.

The American Legion Auxiliary has used poppies for many years to raise awareness and support for our nation’s veterans, active-duty service members and their families.

When you see a container with the poppies at a local store, please consider donating.

We are becoming a very active post and are looking for new members to join our ranks, whether you can give a little time or a lot of time, we welcome all veterans and family members to join.

Membership information is available at the post, front lobby.

June 12 we will be having a public flag retirement ceremony.

Scout troops 232 and 262 will be officiating the retirement ceremony. All are welcome to participate.

One of our community services is to receive faded or ripped flags for retirement. We have posted a red mailbox on the porch of the post to receive the flags day or night.

As a reminder, the post sells U.S. flags and they are made in America.

Please plan ahead for Flag Day on June 14 and present a proper flag to show your patriotism.

For God and Country!

Col. Dave Skalon

Pendleton American Legion Post 117