Placing of flags at the Cortez Cemetery will begin at 2 p.m. on May 24. Post 75 Adjutant Ken Hoyle said the Legion invites any interested parties to help place flags, especially family members of veterans whose graves have no indication of their military service.
“Each year, we get complaints from family members that we missed a grave,” Hoyle said. “We try very hard to locate all marked veterans graves and place flags by them.”
Hoyle added that it is easier for Legion members to locate those veterans who have “official” military gravestones or who have military plaques affixed to traditional stones.
“We’ve seen some traditional stones that also have an indication of military service engraved on them, which is helpful,” Hoyle said. “Usually when we miss one it is because the gravestone has no indication of the Veteran’s service.“
American Legion Post 75 and Cortez Cemetery office manager Chris Carlson are working together to locate all veterans interned at Cortez Cemetery. They plan to develop and maintain a comprehensive list that will be updated regularly. The public’s help in ensuring this list is complete is welcomed. Mr. Carlson may be reached at his office by calling 970-565-1050. Information may also be left with the American Legion by calling 970-565-8151.
Volunteers from the Legion, Ladies Auxiliary and community will meet to remove the flags at 4 p.m. Memorial Day afternoon.
