The Shadow
At 12:00 PM on Monday, May 25, 2026, VFW Post 1033 held its annual tribute to those who “paid all” for our freedom. Commander Paul Linkenhoker opened the service with the raising of the United States flag.
As long as two comrades survive – so long will the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States render tribute to our heroic dead.
We are assembled once again to express sincere reverence. These monuments represent the resting place of many departed comrades who served in all wars. Today we offer an expression of tribute to their devotion to duty, to their courage and patriotism. By their services on land, on sea and in the air, they have made us their debtors – for the flag of our nation still flies over a land of free people. Comrade Chaplain gave the divine blessing followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America.
We welcome you all to this special service to remember and honor those men and women who made the supreme sacrifice to ensure that freedom is preserved for all in this land. The monuments erected on this lawn contain the etched names of our heroic dead. The cemeteries throughout our communities serve as the resting place for these and many more American heroes. While not all were killed in battle, each service member carried the scars of these conflicts throughout life and took them to his or her final resting place.
These monuments list the names of those from the Alleghany Highlands who were killed in the battles of America’s conflicts since World War I. You should spent time here to read and reflect on the sacrifices of our gallant dead. We ask that you recall others who names are etched on your heart. Many heroes did not die in battle but lived a long and full life. But each carried the memories of the sacrifices and struggles which most endured to secure our freedoms.
Officers and members of Curtis A Smith, 116th Infantry, Post 1033, Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and paid respects to our departed comrades. In so doing, we offer solemn tribute to all comrades wherever they may rest.
Comrade Junior Vice Commander – I place this symbol of purity (white rose) on the monument and ask that each future generation emulate the unselfish courage of all men and women who fought for freedom.
Comrade Officer of the Day – In memory of the heroic dead who have fallen in defense of the United States of America, I place this tribute (red rose) of our devotion and everlasting remembrance.
Madam President of Post 1033 Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars – On behalf of the Post 1033 auxiliary, I place this emblem of eternity (blue rose). Its color bespeaks life everlasting. Thus, we do immortalize the brave deeds of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and guard who have given their lives on land, on sea and in the air.
Commander Paul Linkenhoker and auxiliary member Martha Terry placed a wreath in front of the monuments as a symbol of our loyalty, duty, honor and respect for those Comrades who have gone before us.
Benediction was delivered by the Chaplain followed by the playing of the taps. Rest in peace all those who were honored today.
American Flag etiquette on Memorial Day (a little history lesson)
Memorial Day protocol dictates that the American flag must be flown at half-staff for a specific length of time. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “On Memorial Day the flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon only, then raised briskly to the top of the staff until sunset, in honor of the nation’s battle heroes.”
According to tradition, displaying the flag at half-staff on Memorial Day from sunrise to noon honors U.S. military personnel who have died on active duty, while flying it fully raised honors living veterans. It also symbolizes how America endures in the face of loss. (Country Living).
