Newport VFW Post 406 commemorated Memorial Day 2026 with many events in Newport, starting with the Strewing of Flowers at Storer Park. Supported by boats from Coast Guard Castle Hill Station and the Newport Fire Department, members of the public gathered to remember service members lost at sea. It was a dedicated group who under rainy skies strew flowers into Newport Harbor to symbolically mark the graves of those who never came home to a proper burial. CAPT Greg Smith of the US Naval War College and member of Post 406 delivered personal and very moving remarks as guest speaker.
Other ceremonies in Newport were held at the Newport City Hall, led by the Veterans Council of Newport County and American Legion Post 7 and supported by VFW Post 406. The Newport Elks held a Memorial Day candlelight remembrance and flag raising ceremony at their Bellevue Avenue lodge, led by Exalted Ruler and Post 406 member Walt Wildemann. The ceremony concluded with Post 406 drawing the winning raffle ticket for their Loon Mountain vacation fundraiser. Thanks to all who supported Post 406 in this endeavor. See photos below from Newport Buzz and post members…..
