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Veterans honor the fallen at ceremony

The Leavenworth Times - 10/1/2018

Sept. 28--Approximately 25 military veterans gathered Thursday afternoon at Leavenworth National Cemetery to honor veterans who died in the month of September.

Lynn Rolf read the names of the deceased veterans before Jim Timmons played taps on his bugle. Dale Cleland closed the ceremony by playing "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes.

The ceremony has been a monthly tradition for the last 15 years at the national cemetery.

Veterans gather on the last Thursday of each month to pay their respect to fallen veterans.

Rolf said the ceremony is held each month for "veterans who didn't get a proper send-off."

He said many veterans die and do not have family around.

"They don't get the honor that they deserve," Rolf said.

The veterans represent numerous service organizations and associations.

"There's not a name for the group," Rolf said. "There are no dues. If there are expenses, it comes out of our own pockets. We are just a collection of patriotic Americans."

Many of the veterans arrived at the ceremony on their motorcycles, but Rolf said that is not a requirement to come.

Timmons was one of several veterans who organized the monthly ceremony 15 years ago.

"We do this rain or shine," Timmons said. "Even if there are tornadoes."

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