Monday at 9:30 a.m. those who assembled at the Veterans River Bridge in Cook to remember and honor the men and women who were lost at sea protecting our country were welcomed by VFW members Commander Charlie Paradis and Assistant Commander Darrel Lindgren. Commander Paradis said our remembrances today include not only the Navy members who never received the honor of an official burial, but Marines, Air Force and all branches of service that lost members at sea.

Deacon Brenda Tibbetts presented the gathering with readings and prayers and the Leos (young Lion members) were on hand with flowers. The 21-gun salute followed scattering of flowers and then the “Taps.”

The program followed at the Cook Cemetery. The Cook Community Band played beautifully under the direction of Bailey Conger.

Deacon Tibbetts spoke of Memorial time, a sacred remembrance of those who gave their life to our nation. Reading in part the Declaration of Independence and the Preamble of the Constitution and how those who signed these documents put their lives at risk for the freedoms our fallen service men and women were protecting.

After the Leos placed the wreath on the cross for the unknown, the 21gun salute and “Taps,” it was announced that the Color Guard at the services was not only Cook VFW members, but members of the Orr American Legion as well.