American Legion Post 63 Auxiliary member Ellie Greenough read to the nearly 50 in attendance about the 13 folds of the United States flag that are made when folding the flag in the military style. The third, seventh and tenth folds speak to the veteran directly. The third is for the veterans who have departed who gave all or some to the defense of our country. The tenth fold is a tribute to the father who gave his sons and daughters for service to our country. The seventh fold is a tribute to the armed forces that protect our country and flag against all enemies of which all veterans are a part.
American Legion Post 63 member Dave Stenhouse leads the salute to the flag at the Swan Valley Community Hall. Swan Valley veteran Ed Klassen also spoke the names of veterans who passed away this year including the American Legion Post 63 commander Rick Ferguson.
Swan Valley veteran Ed Klassen rang the Bells of Peace 21 times to commemorate the 100th year anniversary of the end of World War I. Bells were rung across the United States to honor the 4.7 million American who served in World War I and the 116,516 who died in the conflict. According to the event's sponsor the US World War One Centennial Commission, the 21 tolls of the bell symbolize the nation's highest honor, based on the 21-gun salute.
Swan Valley Elementary School third-fifth grade teacher Jamie Matthew leads her class singing "You're a Grand Old Flag" and "America the Beautiful" before lunch was served during the Veterans Day ceremony at the Swan Valley Community Hall Nov. 11. Attendees were encouraged to sing along. The students then interviewed veterans during lunch.
American Legion Post 63 Auxiliary member Tori Matthew read to those in attendance the 21 Bells of Peace are rung around the United States in commemoration of the ending of World War One on Nov. 11, 1918, 100 years ago. She said that it was hoped there would never be another Great War that took so many lives. Matthew said she is proud of her relatives that served in World War I. Some of their names are on the plaques on the front of the Swan Valley Community Hall.
Swan Valley veteran Don Erickson told those in attendance that his father was wounded in World War One and that he was proud of his father's service to the country.
The late American Legion Post 63 Commander Rick Ferguson's daughter Katherine wore his jacket to the ceremony in his honor.
SWAN VALLEY - Attendees gathered on the Swan Valley Community Hall porch with the temperature in the low 30s to pay tribute to all veterans at 11 a.m. Nov. 11. Attendees then went inside and enjoyed stories, singing and a lunch provided by the Swan Valley American Legion Post #63 Auxiliary.
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