Memorial Day event will skip Crooked Creek this year

WASHINGTON — The American Legion in Washington will forego its usual ceremony at the West Fork Crooked Creek Bridge this year, but will still hold a flag-raising and Memorial Day service elsewhere in town.

Mike York, the commander of Washington’s American Legion post, said the group could not afford the required insurance for its usual event on the bridge just outside of Washington’s city limits.

“Our legionnaires thought that was really a lot of money for what we wanted to do,” York said. “It was priced approximately $300, plus fees and taxes, whatever that is.”

In another departure from typical plans, the group will hold its 8 a.m. flag-raising ceremony at the All Veterans Memorial — on Lexington Boulevard in the far northeast side of town — rather than at the post office.

American Legion Post 29 will still hold its usual Memorial Day service in Washington’s central park at 10 a.m. May 27. It will include a posting of the colors, an invocation from Pastor Anthony DeVaughn, an address from retired Lt. Col. Darwin Peterson, a rifle salute, folding of the American flag, and taps.

York said it was important for community members to observe the day, whether they attend the events or not.

“It’s just a reminder that people shed their blood, men and women, to keep this country free,” he said. “I think that it is important that we continue, until hopefully we can avoid more wars. I know that’s awfully hard to do in today’s world.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com