Honoring the fallen…

On Monday, May 26th, the Tea community came together to honor and remember the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives in service to our country during the Tea Legion Post 266’s Memorial Day program. 

The event began at 9:30 a.m. on Monday at the Tea American Legion Post 266. The ceremony featured an address by guest speaker Chief Warrant Officer Five (Ret.) Candy Martin. Martin, a South Dakota native, shared her story of military service, which spanned nearly four decades. She has been awarded multiple military awards including the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star. She proudly served in the United States Army Quartermaster Corps, was inducted into the Quartermaster Hall of Fame in 2017, and received the prestigious Quartermaster Ancient Order of St. Martin in 2022.  Her son, 1st Lt. Tom Martin, a West Point graduate, was killed in action in Iraq in 2007.

Following the program at the Legion, attendees solemnly made their way to the local cemetery. A rifle salute and the playing of Taps marked the emotional culmination of the ceremony.

Afterward, community members returned to the Legion for a social hour hosted by the Legion Auxiliary. 

Photos by Wendy Sweeter