Annual July 4 Flag Garden Dedication held by Cerro Gordo American Legion Auxiliary Post #117

These 19 American flags were special flags honoring POW/MIA, unknown soldiers, and members of the Armed Forces from the Civil War, Revolutionary War, Spanish American, KIA Vietnam and KIA WWII. at the ceremony held in downtown Cerro Gordo on July 4. Also included in this special set of flags was one for Swiss Guard Nenad Szabo of Italy. The Swiss Guard is a minor armed forces that protects the Pope and the Apostolic Palace, serving as the de facto military of Vatican City. Other honoree’s included William Pert (Scottish Army WWI and Canadian Army WWII); John W. Wood (Army); George H. Helm (army); Aaron Cole (Army); Benjamin F. Miller (Army); Thomas Long (Army); Richard Morrhead (Army); Hugh Mitchell (army); Phillip Shambaugh (Army); William Helm (Army); Donald Wiest (Marines); Michael Fulk (Marines); Curtis Baker, (Marines); Marsh Edward Mills II (Marines); Thomas Sparks (army); and Laban Chambers (Army).

Auxiliary President Nora Hanaver welcomed everyone to the dedication of this years ceremony and to the memory of those who fought to keep the freedoms that were incorporated into this country at its beginning. Past Auxiliary president Candy Dobson and Past Legion Commander Wayne Handley read the 263 names of the fallen heroes

Cerro Gordo American Legion Post #117 Color Guard included Garry Zachary, Richard Marvin, Tanya Frazier, Kevin Frazier, and Gary Shaffer. The Auxiliary Color Guard along with Junior Auxiliary members and Boy Scout Pack #39 gathered at the Commons at noon on a warm July 4 afternoon.