Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic host annual veterans service

By Max Robinette
mrobinette@yourmvi.com
It’s a grand old flag.
Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic, Starkweather Circle No. 173, held its 112th veterans memorial service Wednesday at the Noble J. Dick Aquatorium in Monongahela.
This year, the organization honored the flag American soldiers have fought and died under since the country’s founding.
Circle President Shirley Dines opened the service with a prayer, reading Psalm 20.
“We will fly our flags in the name of God,” Dines said. “Guide us that we will never forget sacrifices made and burdens carried. Be with the families of the fallen. Bless those defending and rescuing the weak.”
Circle Secretary Dorothy Frye Walker gave leading remarks, speaking about unrest across the nation and the importance of the flag.
“This year finds war overseas with turmoil and unpredictability domestically,” Frye Walker said. “U.S. military fatalities occurred during routine training exercises, including a 20-year old from Western Pa.

To read the rest of the story, please see a copy of Thursday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at http://monvalleyindependent.com.