Post deserves kudos for honoring veterans

It is with the greatest amount of pride that I take this earliest opportunity to publish this letter of congratulations.

Sadly, it was my occasion to lay to rest my wife, Bonnie Marie (Cutler) Armstrong, private first class, Women's Army Corps, on Saturday, Aug. 28, 1971 ' almost 37 years ago.

As I was visiting her final resting place, the officers and members of the Clark Fork Veterans of Foreign Wars Post arrived at a very early hour to perform a most solemn annual duty of honor.

They went about with great determination and reverence in the placement of American flags along the main street of the Clark Fork Cemetery, and also conducted a flag raising ceremony at the main cemetery flagpole.

The placement of the seven flagpoles, with an American flag on each, constituted a most fitting 'avenue of flags' for all those who rest within these hallowed and consecrated grounds, of the Clark Fork Cemetery, of which my late wife Bonnie, was one of those proud and dedicated veterans.

The final act of the morning, was the placement of grave-sized American flags at the gravesite of each and every veteran who had served this country in peace, as well as in war. Careful and stringent measures were taken with the assistance of applicable cemetery records to ensure that all veterans received a flag, in commemoration for their faithful service.

The post commander, post chaplain, other post officers and members, need to be publicly recognized for their outstanding duty to the sacred ideals of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and most especially, to the community of Clark Fork.

I must finally be emphasized that this same VFW also had most previously cleaned, pruned and trimmed the grounds of the cemetery prior to this Memorial Day celebration.

May God bless America and all who have, and still do, serve this country.

THE REV. PAUL EDWARD ARMSTRONG

Missoula, Mont.