The 73rd Annual International Memorial Day service was held in Sherwood on Monday May 31, 2010 beginning at 10:15 am with the exchanging of the Colors and welcoming of our Canadian Comrades and friends at the International Border two miles north of Sherwood. After the Border ceremony the troops and crowd was retired to the gym at Sherwood High for the program. Pastor Patrick O’Brien, Oakes, ND was the guest speaker and Peter Piper, Stoughton Sk, President Canadian Legion, Sask Command gave the Canadian response. This is one of the few services held in the United States and Canada with the significance of this one taking into consideration its longevity, 73 years, and the international flavor that surrounds it.

For 72 years we have held the same “Flag exchange ceremony” on the border two miles north of Sherwood and this year was the 73rd. We started gathering at the border at 9:45 am (CDT) with the ceremonies to start at 10:00 am sharp. A program followed at 11:00 am in the Sherwood High School Auditorium. You need to hear Wayne Artz sing “Danny Boy” and then see the slide show of all the Veterans who have passed away with Reede Benning reading the Honor Role, and then Mary Benning sings “Sleep Soldier Boy Sleep.” It will bring tears to your eyes.

A parade followed down main street with a stop at the “Sherwood Firemen’s Memorial” to lay a wreath in memory of those who lost their lives in the Oil Fire in Sept of 1991. Buses then took the troops to the Sherwood Union Cemetery for a short program there to decorate the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” and saluting the dead. Steve and Jarod Keith played Tap’s & the Post 213 Firing Squad, Lynn Price in charge, saluted the dead, We then adjourned to the Memorial Hall where refreshments were served to the participants, lunch was served by the Legion Aux.

Jamie Cairns, Estevan, Sask played her bagpipe piping the troops across the border, into the hall, down the street and into the cemetery. Can’t you just hear her playing “Amazing Grace?” I can. It was good to see all the people who showed up to come see and hear this unique service.

We want to thank all those who worked so hard to make this the grand success it was. Terry Miller and family for such a good job of putting the program together, the slideshow and all. A big thanks to all the folks who helped in preparing the flags to put out on all the Veteran’s graves and putting them out there and then picking them up. For the grand meal the Legion Auxullary served after it was all done. A big thank you to all the American and Canadian Veterans who came and took part. A big thank you to Chad Driscoll & his helpers for the job they did in replacing the old “Tomb Of the Unknown Soldier” Then a big thank you to all the spectators who came and took part in the observance of this wonderful program. See you all next year for the 74th one.

Orlin Hanson, Post Adjutant
Bothun-Peterson Post 213
PO Box 28
Sherwood, ND 58782
Tel: 459-2798
Email

BACK to History

Back to Events/News