(Fort Washakie, WY) – Members of American Legion Post 81 gathered at Fort Washakie on Memorial Day to pay tribute to the men and women who gave their lives in service to the country.
The ceremony included a three-gun salute performed by Post 81 veterans carrying flags and rifles, fired after the playing of ‘Taps.’ A group of singers, also accompanied by drums, performed honor and remembrance songs for fallen soldiers.
An honor song is sung for fallen soldiers on Memorial day at Frank B. Wise Monday in Fort Washakie. h/t Carl Cote American Legion Commander Wyman Weed stoodby with others from post 81 at the Memorial Day service in Fort Washakie. h/t Carl Cote Ivan Posey reads a prayer, asking for strength and loyalty to protect the United States. “Let us renew our pledge of loyalty to our country and its flag,” he said. h/t Carl Cote 
Paul Black Bear Sr. leads in singing Monday at the Fort Washakie Memorial Day Service. h/t Carl Cote The American flag is rolled up after the ceremony in Fort Wahsakie. h/t Carl Cote A memorial day floral decoration was set up next to the Path of Honor at Frank B. Wise Monday. . h/t Carl Cote
State Rep. Ivan Posey offered a prayer during the service, calling on those gathered to renew their commitment to the nation and its flag.
Wyman Weed, a Vietnam Army and Navy veteran and commander of Post 81, said the day carries deep personal meaning for him and his fellow veterans. He spoke of the importance of giving thanks to those who are no longer here, calling it a very special day. Weed said he and other veterans hold cherished memories of the people they’ve lost, particularly older veterans who served before and during Vietnam.
“The older people who are gone – they’re who we pray for when we have these things,” said Weed. “Cherished memories with a lot of these guys who have served before us, who are gone.”
The ceremony at Fort Washakie carries particular significance, given the deep military tradition of Native American communities. Native Americans serve in the U.S. military at a higher per-capita rate than any other demographic group in the country, a proud legacy that stretches back generations on the Wind River Reservation.