April 22 – The Tri Valley area has observed the tradition of conducting Flag Exchange Ceremonies sponsored by the Grahamsville Rural Cemetery Association on Memorial and Veterans’ Days since the 1980s when Peggy and Don Hill started them. This tradition has had several MCs such as Don and Peggy, Miles Ellison, Carol Furman and myself.  The ceremonies have gone on in snowy, rainy, hot and cold weather without fail. I believe the only year that we did not do it was during COVID.

I am putting out a call for volunteers to perform the flag ceremonies, as Boy Scout Troop 97 has graduated its last Scout to Eagle status and no longer has any members. It is a bittersweet moment in time but I have to say that I am very proud of the scouts for completing the Eagle program, it is a great accomplishment.

As the saying goes “Once an Eagle always an Eagle”. I am asking for any Eagle Scout young or seasoned within our community to volunteer an hour of time twice a year to help us continue this great tradition of recognizing brave Veterans that have given years of their life or the ultimate sacrifice of their lives in service.

In the past the Girl Scouts and local Veterans have also participated in the ceremonies. If there is anyone with flag exchange and color guard experience, I welcome them to sign up. Please contact me via text or leave a message at (845) 798-8467 by May 8, 2026.