Memorial Day services Monday

WORLAND — The principle Wyoming National Guard assistant to the Adjutant General of Wyoming, Col. E. Steven Alkire, will be the keynote speaker at Monday’s Memorial Day services.

The American Legion Post 44 organizes services in Worland and Ten Sleep each year. This year’s services in Worland at the Riverview Memorial Cemetery will begin at 11 a.m.

Services in Ten Sleep at the cemetery will begin at 2 p.m.

ALKIRE

According to his biography, Alkire “leads the joint staff as it supports the statewide commands in achieving the adjutant general’s goals and objectives.” Alkire’s primary focus is domestic operations support.

Alkire began his military career in C Battery, 4-49th Field Artillery in 1987 as a field artilleryman. He has held a number of command positions including commanding the 94th Troop Command and Regional Training Institute. Prior to becoming director of joint staff, Alkire served as the chief of staff for the Wyoming Army National Guard.

He has served in

Evanston, Afton, Guernsey, Laramie, Cheyenne, numerous units in Utah and Montgomery, Alabama.

He has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (with 3 oak leaf clusters), Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal (with 1 oak leaf cluster), Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal (with 1 Bronze Service Star), Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Active Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

CEREMONY

American Legion Memorial Day Chairman Randy Reed said in addition to Alkire, also speaking will be State Rep. Mike Greear (R-Worland).

There will be readings of “In Flander’s Field,” and “The Answer,” America’s reply to “In Flander’s Field.”

In Ten Sleep the readings will be by Elizabeth Bleicher, Josie Decker and Elektra Shoopman

In Worland there will also be the laying of the wreaths for each war and veterans organization.

Post Chaplain Frank Ley will do the invocation and benediction in Worland. Pastor Chuck Powell will say the prayers in Ten Sleep.

Flags will be placed on the gravestones of the veterans on Saturday in Worland.

A luncheon for veterans and their families and those who attended the services will be hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary at the American Legion Post in Worland.

Reed noted that the Post Commander is Chris Wright.

He added that boys from the Wyoming Boys School assist the Legion in setting up and cleaning up after services on Monday.

FLAGS AT HALF-STFF

According to the U.S. Department Veteran Affars, on Memorial Day the flag should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon only, then raised briskly to the top of the staff until sunset, in honor of the nation’s battle heroes.

The flag should be briskly run up to the top of the staff before being lowered slowly to the half-staff position.

Sunrise on Monday is at 5:35 a.m.