Post Everlasting ceremony held at American Legion

By Karen Donato
Staff Writer
    Once each year, local veteran’s groups around the country honor the lives of deceased United States veterans for their sacrifice in defending America. They are honored with a ceremony that is called “Post Everlasting.” This significant honor reaffirms our appreciation to those who, in times of war and peace have faithfully defended our country.
Houlton Pioneer Photo/Karen Donato
POST EVERLASTING – Commander Calvin Mooers, right, folds the American flag, as Jeff Targonski assists during the Post Everlasting ceremony held at the Chester L. Briggs Post 47. In back left,bugler, Gerald Riley, Jr., Chaplain Jim Dunlop, seated and Paul McDonald, adjutant  on the  right.
    This past weekend local families who had lost loved ones within the last year were invited guests to the Chester L. Briggs, American Legion Post 47.
    At this solemn tribute, the lights were dimmed and turned off at times in the Post’s hall as Commander Calvin Mooers read the names of the deceased comrades. A tripod of three military rifles with a Legion cap placed on top of the tri-pod was displayed at the front of the room in recognition of their service.
    Legion Chaplain, Jim Dunlop read this prayer, “We come to honor the memory of those who offered their lives in the service of country and who have now enrolled in that Great Spirit Army, whose footfalls cause no sound, but in the memory of mankind, their souls go marching on, sustained by the pride of service in time of war. Because of them our lives are free; because of them our nation lives; because of them the world is blessed. May this service deepen our reverence for our departed comrades.”
Houlton Pioneer Times
 Photo/Karen Donato
THE MEANING OF THE FOLDED FLAG — Dr. Rick Goodwin, a member of the Sons of the American Legion reads the meaning of the folded American flag. Goodwin, the son of the late Dr. Robert Goodwin had participated in an earlier ceremony honoring his father’s military service.     Goodwin said, “This is a very moving ceremony for family members, I am proud to be a part of it and will continue to participate in the future.”
    Goodwin added that this program was not in place at the time of his father’s death and he is very appreciative of the Legion members for providing this program for families of United States veterans.
    Their Department of Defense 2-14 service records were burned in a soldier’s helmet and the United States flag that had been on display in front of the room was folded by Commander Mooers and Jeffrey Targonski, as Dr. Rick Goodwin, a member of the Sons of the American Legion, read this verse:
     “The first fold of our flag is the symbol of life. The second fold is the symbol of our belief in eternal life. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world. The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance. The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is our country, right or wrong”; the sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all. The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they are found within or without the boundaries of our republic. The eighth fold is a tribute to one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day. The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood and mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded. The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born. The eleventh fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews’ eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The twelfth fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians’ eyes, God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The thirteenth fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our Nation’s motto, ‘In God We Trust’.”
    After the flag was completely folded and tucked in, it had the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.
Commander Calvin Mooers
    Roger Smith, service officer of the American Legion presented each family in attendance with an encased folded American flag and a Bible in a wooden box, this verse was read: “This banner of love and devotion, is a living memorial of the courageous thoughts of our comrade, the one you came here to honor this day. The blue field represents the sky that overlooks our land and denotes the watchfulness of God the Eternal. The red stripes tell us of the blood, sweat and tears that have been offered and conquered by our comrade’s devotion to the responsible freedom of his country.    The white stripes boldly proclaim the peace that he/she helped to bring to our future generations. This is his/her flag. This is our special heritage. Receive it with the tears of our minds and the faith of our hearts.”
    Assisting with the ceremony were, Clifford Davenport, Chaplain of the Sons of the Legion; Paul McDonald, adjutant, Paul Raymond, Sergeant of Arms and bugler, Gerald Riley, Jr. who played the traditional “Taps.”