Legion Hall honors all local mothers at early tea

BONNERS FERRY — The American Legion Auxiliary honored all mothers at their Annual Mother’s Day Tea on Monday, May 3 at the VFW Hall. Seventeen mothers gathered together for the celebration. 

A preview of the Boundary County Middle School chorus’ upcoming musical “School House Rock” was performed for the mothers. 

Valdie Burkholder presented awards. The Gold Star Mother Award was not presented this year since no mother in attendance had lost a son in the service.

Some of the other awards presented included the mother with the most biological children (Irene Rice with 9 children), the mother married the longest (Doris Howard to Lester Howard for 69 years and four months), and the mother with the most great-grandchildren (Irma Merrifild with 22 great-grandchildren).

Burkholder mentioned that “most of our World War II servicemen are gone.” “The American Legion Auxiliary does lots of things for the community and we support veterans,” said Burkholder.

Betty Mills, secretary of the American Legion Auxiliary, reminded everyone that Poppy Day will be happening at the end of the month. The poppy is a symbol of sacrifice. Mills said money raised from the poppy sale goes towards local and national programs that help veterans and their children.

Any lady who is related to a veteran of any war, whether he is a grandfather, father, son, grandson, or husband, can join the American Legion Auxiliary.