For more than a century, members of Okmulgee’s American Legion White-Williams Post 10 have quietly carried out a mission rooted in respect, remembrance and service. Now, they are calling on the community for help to ensure no veteran is forgotten.

Throughout the years, White-Williams Post 10 has dedicated itself to honoring and supporting veterans across Okmulgee and surrounding communities. From assisting veterans with benefits and participating in parades to volunteering at community events and supporting veterans’ families, Post 10 members have remained steadfast in their commitment to those who served.

One of the organization’s most solemn traditions continues to serve as a powerful reminder of that dedication. At each monthly meeting, members take time to recognize and honor Okmulgee County veterans who have passed away during the previous month. The names are read aloud as a tribute to their service to both God and Country, ensuring their sacrifices are remembered and respected.

At each monthly meeting, the names of veterans who have passed are read and honored for their service to God and Country. That commitment dates back more than a century.

Since receiving its official charter in 1919, Post 10 has made it a tradition to place American flags on the graves of veterans buried at Okmulgee Cemetery each Memorial Day. The gesture, while simple, symbolizes gratitude and remembrance for those who served in the armed forces.

To help carry out that tradition, Post 10 has maintained a detailed Master List of veterans buried at Okmulgee Cemetery. The list, which has been carefully preserved and updated for 106 years, currently contains approximately 2,630 veterans. Each year, members continue to add names to ensure the list remains complete and accurate.

Post members say their goal is simple but deeply meaningful – to make certain no veteran who served honorably is overlooked.

“Our goal is to make sure not to miss any veteran that has served and received an honorable discharge for their military service.”

Despite years of careful record-keeping, members acknowledge that gaps may still exist. Families have occasionally contacted Post 10 after discovering their loved one did not receive a flag placement on Memorial Day. In many cases, it is simply because their information was never added to the Master List.

This year, Post 10 is taking proactive steps to identify and correct those omissions. Members are beginning their work earlier than usual in hopes of locating veterans who may not yet be recognized on the cemetery list.

“We want to make sure everyone deserving of recognition is served.” They are now asking residents to help with that effort.

Anyone who has a veteran relative buried at Okmulgee Cemetery, or who knows of a veteran buried there who has not received a Memorial Day flag, is encouraged to contact Post 10 so the information can be verified and added to the Master List.

Post officials request the veteran’s full name, date of death, branch of military service and any war or conflict in which they served. Once provided, members will verify burial records at the cemetery and add the veteran to their list, ensuring they receive proper recognition moving forward.

“For 106 years, Post 10 has worked to ensure veterans buried at Okmulgee Cemetery are remembered and honored.”

Community members can contact Post 10 Commander Don Raby at 918-520-3090 or Larry Biddle at 918-530-9358. Residents are also welcome to visit White-Williams Post 10, located at 730 W. 6th Street in Okmulgee, any Saturday morning from 8 to 11 a.m. Visitors are invited to stop by for free coffee and donuts while speaking directly with members about submitting information or learning more about the organization’s efforts.

Post members emphasize that honoring veterans extends beyond ceremonial gestures. For many families, knowing their loved one’s service is recognized brings a sense of comfort and pride. For the Legion, it represents fulfilling a sacred promise.

As Memorial Day approaches, Post 10 hopes the community will help ensure every veteran laid to rest in Okmulgee Cemetery receives the honor they earned through service and sacrifice.

Through continued dedication and community support, the American Legion’s mission remains unchanged – remembering the fallen, supporting veterans and serving those who served our nation.

American Legion Post 10 is located at 730 W. 6th Street in Okmulgee. Free coffee and donuts are available Saturdays from 8-11 a.m. Contact Commander Don Raby at 918-520-3090 or Larry Biddle at 918-530-9358 for more information.