Jennifer Bercier/PCT Community members observe the Memorial Day Service outside Memorial Hall in Rugby, May 25.

Volunteers unlocked the doors and turned on the lights at the Clarence A. Larson American Legion Post 23 on Monday, May 25, preparing the gymnasium for a community united in remembrance.

The Memorial Day service brought together residents of all ages to honor American service members who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Post Commander Kirk Seaver, retired Staff Sgt. Ron Montonye and Auxiliary service members decorated the room with red, white and blue linens. The place settings also marked a historic milestone, celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

The Rugby High School Band marched across the busy highway, instruments in hand, to perform for the crowd inside and for listeners tuning into the live broadcast on the radio.

As attendees entered the auditorium, volunteers handed each person a red poppy. The tradition stems from Col. John McCrae’s famous World War I poem, “In Flanders Fields,” which McCrae wrote after losing a close friend in battle. The poppy remains a global symbol of remembrance for those buried in shallow battlefield graves.

During his address, Seaver emphasized the enduring grief and pride carried by gold star families.

“Their loved ones’ sacrifices will not be forgotten,” Seaver said. “We take this special moment in honoring them. We must tell their stories, we must speak their names.”

Seaver paid special tribute to fallen Marine Bruce Seaver, a well-known local high school football player who was born July 5, 1969, and died April 14.

Cub Scout Pack 4551 led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Following the pledge, Sheila Ostrem read the names of local service members who died over the past year, while Seaver tolled a ceremonial bell for each.

Those remembered included Kenneth Arens, Glen Iverson, Tilman Hovland, Hazel Ann Miller, David Kruse, Jerome Voeller, Randy Greig, Michael Walter, Nick Brossart Jr., Donald “Bo” Scheet, Jon Lindseth and Arden Miller.

Montonye dedicated the POW/MIA “Missing Man” table next to the podium. The table was set with a white tablecloth, a single candle, an inverted goblet and a vase holding an American flag, a red ribbon, and a rose — each item symbolizing the hope for the return of missing soldiers.

The ceremony concluded outside at the Veterans Memorial Monument with the laying of a ceremonial wreath, a tradition dating back to Civil War “Decoration Days.” The presentation was accompanied by a rifle volley salute and the sounding of “Taps.”

Following the program, the American Legion Auxiliary hosted a public luncheon funded by free-will donations.

A disposal box is located near the Legion Clubhouse door for the respectful retirement of unserviceable flags.

Pierce County Military Appreciation Night will take place June 25 at the Pierce County Fair, celebrating America’s 250th anniversary and honoring local veterans.