Manson American Legion honors fallen service members at Memorial Day ceremony

Community members attend the Manson American Legion Post 108 Memorial Day ceremony May 25 outside the Manson Fire Station, where veterans, residents and local volunteers gathered to honor fallen service members.

COURTESY OF AMERICAN LEGION POST 108

Kathy Seureau speaks during the Manson American Legion Post 108 Memorial Day ceremony May 25 at the Manson Fire Station, where she discussed the symbolism of the colors of the American flag.

COURTESY OF AMERICAN LEGION POST 108

Marie Cannon speaks during the Manson American Legion Post 108 Memorial Day ceremony May 25 at the Manson Fire Station. Cannon addressed attendees as part of the community’s observance honoring fallen service members.

COURTESY OF AMERICAN LEGION POST 108

Norm Manly speaks during the Manson American Legion Post 108 Memorial Day ceremony May 25 at the Manson Fire Station, where he announced Manson’s designation as a Purple Heart Community effective April 20.

COURTESY OF AMERICAN LEGION POST 108

Members of the Chelan Patriotic Singers perform during the Manson American Legion Post 108 Memorial Day ceremony May 25 at the Manson Fire Station. Directed by Steve Davis, the group led attendees in several patriotic songs during the program.

COURTESY OF AMERICAN LEGION POST 108

Attendees gather beneath a large American flag during the Manson American Legion Post 108 Memorial Day ceremony May 25 at the Manson Fire Station. The event honored fallen service members and included music, remarks from veterans and community recognition.

COURTESY OF AMERICAN LEGION POST 108

A large American flag hangs above attendees during the Manson American Legion Post 108 Memorial Day ceremony May 25 at the Manson Fire Station. The flag was suspended from Manson Fire Department Tower 51 as part of the community observance honoring fallen service members.

COURTESY OF AMERICAN LEGION POST 108

Community members stand during the Manson American Legion Post 108 Memorial Day ceremony May 25 at the Manson Fire Station beneath a large American flag suspended from Manson Fire Department Tower 51. The ceremony honored military personnel who died in service to the United States.

COURTESY OF AMERICAN LEGION POST 108

A member of the Manson Fire Department watches as community members gather beneath a large American flag during the Manson American Legion Post 108 Memorial Day ceremony May 25 at the Manson Fire Station. The flag was suspended from Tower 51 for the community observance honoring fallen service members.

COURTESY OF AMERICAN LEGION POST 108

Posted Monday, May 25, 2026 6:10 pm

NCW News
Ward Media

MANSON — The Manson American Legion Post 108 held a Memorial Day ceremony Monday, May 25, at the Manson Fire Station, drawing community members for a program honoring military personnel who died in service.

The ceremony was relocated from Legion Park because of nearby road construction. Manson Fire Chief Arnold Baker and fire department staff prepared the station for the event, moving emergency vehicles and arranging seating for attendees. Tower 51 displayed a large American flag above the ceremony area.

Fourteen Manson High School students assisted with transporting equipment from the Legion storage unit and setting up tables, chairs and displays before the ceremony. The students also helped remove equipment and return items to storage following the event.

Vice Commander Brian Strausbaugh welcomed attendees and Chaplain John Swenson delivered the invocation. Commander Clyde McCullough ordered the posting of the colors.

Music throughout the ceremony was provided by the Chelan Patriotic Singers under the direction of Steve Davis. Manson High School music director Matt Brown and his daughter, Lucy Brown, performed “Dueling Taps” during the program.

Speakers addressed the meaning of Memorial Day and recognized military service and sacrifice. Kathy Seureau spoke about the symbolism of the American flag.

Norm Manly announced that Manson was officially recognized as a Purple Heart Community on April 20, following efforts by the Manson American Legion.

The ceremony concluded with a medley representing each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. Veterans in attendance were invited to stand during the song representing their branch of service.

Swenson delivered a closing prayer before the retirement of the colors. Strausbaugh thanked attendees and invited guests to refreshments provided by volunteers.

The Manson American Legion thanked the Manson Fire Department, student volunteers and community members for supporting the event.

Norm Manly contributed to this report.