Haskell Osife-Antone Post 51 honors Fallen Service Members

Joseph Morales

GRIN Intern

Monday, March 27, marked the nation’s Memorial Day. Haskell Osife- Antone Post 51 held their annual event in District 1 - Blackwater to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

The day began with a morning run/walk at the District 1 Annex Veterans Hall. Many participants attended, and T-shirts were waiting for them once they crossed the finish line. Following the run/walk, there would be an honoring ceremony for the fallen heroes. A 21-Gun Salute at the same Veterans Hall building would honor the fallen and conclude services held there.

The day continued at the district’s multi-purpose building, which held an honor ceremony. The Blackwater Community School (BWCS) Color Guard had the honor of opening the event with the posting of the colors. Chaplain Jewel Whitman provided the opening prayer, followed by a welcome speech from the Commander expressing the gratitude and importance of the day.

Pamela Thompson gave the first presentation of the Missing Man Table ceremony. It is a tradition to remind those in attendance of the fallen, missing, and imprisoned U.S. military service members.

The Blackwater Community Church Choir then followed to share songs and prayers for those who had served the Country.

District 1 Gila River Council Representatives Arzie Hogg and Joey Whitman each gave a speech to recognize the importance of Memorial Day and recognizing our veterans, while Council Rep. Whitman shared his own experience serving in the Army—82nd Airborne Division.

The Gila River Royalty Court was also in attendance, with Miss Gila River Susanna Osife, First Attendant Thalia Ayala, and Jr. Miss Gila River Shayla Davis.

Osife and Davis both gave speeches to those in attendance, expressing their honor at having the honor of speaking and recognizing so many people who dedicated their lives to military service.

Gary Anderson, Sr., an Army Special Forces veteran, shared a presentation to recognize the fallen Gila River members. He shared vital information on multiple individuals, sharing their service, sacrifice, and memories for the audience and their families. Two tables were set aside to display veterans in the Community, where families could bring photos and share information.

Traditional Singers marked the closing segment of the day and set the last piece with the closing prayer and speech by Auxiliary Chaplain Betty Molina, who touched base that, hopefully, in the future, more tables and families would be able to attend and continue honoring veterans.

After all the festivities were over, lunch was provided for the attendees, followed by a closing dance. The event was a success in honoring those who served and sacrificed so much to represent the Country and the Gila River Indian Community.