Veteran’s Corner 

Jason Hicks | Commander United Patriotic bodies
Fargo Memorial Honor Guard

Greetings, friends and comrades,
We just celebrated another 4th of July, and I cannot be prouder to be an American. Despite our differences we come together when the chips are down.
I was able to observe a parade rather than march in one. I spent the holiday weekend in Warroad MN, and I must say their parade is one to behold. People say small town parades are dying, not there. I was able to speak to a couple of the American Legion members who had marched. They were about my age, and we agreed about needing younger members. You see the Veterans organizations are dying. Lack of active members has closed many post homes. I’ve often wondered how do we change this? You can speak to people until you are blue in the face and still be short. One thing that works for the Fargo Memorial Honor Guard is to invite a potential member to a service and show them firsthand what we do and who we are. There are plenty of people who want to be part of something, and Veterans are no different. Leadership of the organization makes a world of difference. There are those who talk and those who do. I encourage you to become involved with something.
This past Monday we conducted a service for yet another unclaimed Veteran. Billy Hurst served in Germany from 1974 until 1977. A flag was presented to an empty chair. Special thanks to the Moorhead American Legion Riders who provided an escort for this Veteran. They are an organization that is constantly giving back to the community, not just talking about things but actually stepping forward and doing. Thank you!!!!