“When the kids shook hands with us, it made us feel like a million bucks,” said Commander of the VFW Memorial Team David Conley.  “We appreciate the opportunity to get involved in events like this.  The money will be used to purchase new uniforms for the memorial team.”  Conley says the honor guard participated in 160 funeral services last year.  “We provide a firing squad, taps player, and everything else that goes with paying final respects to a veteran.  We do not charge a penny for our services; all of our members volunteer to be part of the squad that is there for the deceased veteran and his or her family, no matter what the weather,” he said.

“Last year we had over 90 baseball teams participate in the three-day Memorial Day weekend tournament that began with a parade led by the memorial team,” said McLaughlin.  “It was so successful that people have already been calling to get involved in this year’s 21 Gun Salute Tournament that will be held at Tealtown Ballpark on Memorial Day weekend.”