Honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice

By Editor | May 29, 2024 |

Photo by Christy Porter
Members of Licking VFW Post #6337 and Auxiliary held a Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday. From left: veterans Michael Mas, Dennis McKinney, Commander Billie Krewson, Kim Wolfe and Auxiliary member Adonia Rask. Veterans Harry Brevoort, Ed Folger and Virgil Zellar are shown in back. Not pictured was Auxiliary member Hazel Krewson.

Photos by Christy Porter
Veteran and VFW Post #6337 Commander Billie Krewson, his wife, Hazel and son, Hunter Krewson worked diligently to raise U.S. flags throughout downtown Licking last week in preparation for Memorial Day. The flags flew down Main Street and on Hwy. 32 from Main Street to U.S. 63; they will remain flying through Veterans Day. The Licking VFW maintains the flags and holders. The large U.S. Flag (20’ x 40’) that flies at the corner of Hwy. 63 and Hwy. 32, in the Country Inn motel yard, was also raised. Country Inn helps with the repair and replacement cost of the large flag, which receives a great deal of weathering due to its location.

By Christy Porter, Managing Editor

Memorial Day, May 27, 2024 – Our military personnel who died in the line of duty were remembered, honored and mourned at memorials and in cemeteries around the country. Veterans, family, friends and cemetery organizations placed flags at the stones of deceased U.S. military personnel.

Licking Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post #6337 and the Auxiliary held a Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, at the Memorial for the Fallen, where they were joined by area veterans, family and friends in honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their lives in service to our country.

Post Commander Billie Krewson opened the ceremony, followed by a tribute to the flag.

“The Flag of the United States reflects what we are – and what we hope to be,” shared Krewson.

He further explained that the white stripes symbolize purity of purpose in our freedom of thought, expression and worship; red stripes stand for courage-our willingness to die, if necessary, for preservation of American ideals; and the blue of tranquility upon which the stars of our states are united to hold intact all that is truly ours-the desire for peace, prosperity and happiness throughout our nation.

A prayer preceded the placement of remembrances at the base of the Licking Memorial for the Fallen.

Sr. Vice Commander Kim Wolfe placed the Wreath of Remembrance, for those who fought; Veteran Dennis McKinney placed the white carnation for purity; Veteran Michael Mas placed the red carnation for devotion and everlasting remembrance; Acting Auxiliary President Adonia Rask placed the blue carnation for eternity; and Commander Billie Krewson placed the American Flag, the emblem of our nation.

Quartermaster Harry Brevoort, Chaplain Ed Folger and Jr. Vice Commander Virgil Zeller fired a three-volley salute.

Auxiliary member Hazel Krewson sounded the solemn bugle call of “Taps.”

The ceremony concluded with prayer by Commander Krewson.

“The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States will always honor those who go forth in defense of our nation. They are the true guardians of freedom, justice and equality among all.”