American Legion, Scouts Pay Tribute at Farmington War Memorial

Lottie Hanus had a good idea why she and other members of Girl Scout Troop 72578 stood out in the cold at Farmington's War Memorial in Memorial Park Saturday morning. 

"To lay down wreaths to honor all the veterans who served in the Air Force and the military to serve our country," she said after the brief ceremony. When asked why that was important, she added, "We have our freedom and our rights." 

The Girl Scouts, along with Cub Scout Pack 263, Farmington Mayor Tom Buck and Miss Farmington 1st Runner-Up Kristina Franchi and 2nd Runner-Up Grace Newlin, joined members of the Groves-Walker American Legion Post #346 for the annual ceremony. Troop leader Tiphany Vietor said the girls spent an entire meeting going over the reasons for the ceremony and its importance. 

Dedicated in 1923, the monument lists the names of Farmington soldiers who gave their lives in the Civil War, the Spanish-American War and World War I. A Blue Star Memorial marker was added to the park earlier this year, paying tribute to America's Armed Forces. 

Scouts who participated in the Saturday ceremony also included:

Cub Scout Pack 263: Robert Vietor, Sean Baker, Braden Baker

Girl Scout Troop 72578: Amanda Vietor, Dana Buckhave, Katie Dilloway, Charlee Wright