On Thursday evening, American Legion Post 9 presented Girl Scout Troop 36257 with an American flag to be used in their troop meetings. Jody Sizemore is the leader of the group, which meets at the Methodist Church, 601 San Juan Ave., on Fridays from 4:30 to 6. Sizemore said they are looking for more girls K-12th grade to join the troop. "If you think Girl Scouts only sell cookies, come join us for a meeting or two and find out what we do and why being a Girl Scout is awesome." Leaders of the troop are Sizemore, Courtney Fry, Glori Hubler-Hand and Sandie Maes. Girls in troop are Daisies Alivia Fry, Emma Romero and Zeyairah Perez; Brownies Audra Willhite, Zanihay Bickel; Juniors Megan Fry and Cia Wilhite.
This troop will be joining Judy Redd's Troop, which meets at the Presbyterian Church, to participate in the Veterans Day celebration, to be held at the La Junta High School gym this year, at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11. Glenn Parker announced the speakers for this year's program - a veteran of two Desert Storm campaigns, Martin Ortega, and an active soldier stationed at Fort Carson, Armando Harrison. Dan Davis will serve as master of ceremonies. Veteran Bill Schmidt is coordinating the event with the high school. The high school band will play the national anthem, the Girl Scouts will lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and Jim Ridgwell will give the American Legion address. Once again, Mary Belew's peppy second graders will give the patriotic salute. Mayor Lynn Horner is in charge of the opening and closing, with the opening prayer and benediction by the Rev. Rick Miller.
Jay Scott reported on progress with the flag pavilion at Fairview/Calvary Cemetery, a project which is expected to be ongoing for seven to 10 years. Some of the money necessary for the construction will be raised through Wreaths Across America. When it is completed, full military services may be conducted at the cemetery, and the facility will also be available for others who wish to use it. A moment of silence was held for three veterans who have passed away this month: Ernesto Jimenez, John Crouch, Norm Miller.

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