American Legion Post 62 in Peoria Honors Ira H. Hayes as Veteran of the Month
September 11, 2026
Emma Hughes
Community Newsperson
On Tuesday, Sept. 1, the American Legion John J. Morris Post 62 in Peoria, held a special flag ceremony for Ira H. Hayes, United States Marine Corps., who has been selected as their Veteran of the Month.
Family of Ira Hayes and members of American Legion Ira H. Hayes Post 84 were welcomed by a motorcycle escort of several veterans from Post 62 and surrounding areas. They arrived at Post 62 and were greeted by fellow veterans and the public for the flag raising ceremony.
Each month, Post 62 selects a veteran to recognize by flying a flag at their post in Peoria throughout the month. SSgt Orris Galland, U.S. Army – WWII, was selected for the month of August.
“The American Legion John J. Morris Post 62 is honored to recognize Ira Hamilton Hayes as our veteran of the month and proudly fly his flag for all members and visitors to recognize his service and sacrifice, to his legacy,” said Post 62 Commander Noah McMullen.
Ceremonies began with taps and the posting of colors. Galland’s flag was then presented to the family, and the flag for Hayes was raised.
Hayes, a member of the Gila River Indian Community, is recognized for his part in the flag raising over Mount Suribachi during World War II on Feb. 23, 1945. He is featured in the iconic photograph by Joe Rosenthal.
On Oct. 1, Hayes’ family will return to Post 62 to be given the flag for their keeping. Family members in attendance were Augustine Enas, Duane Jackson Jr., Leatrice Davis, Nicholas Rodgers, Tina Notah-Enas, and Suzanne Lewis.
“I really enjoyed it; that outside our community there’s others, other posts out here that are still remembering our Native American veterans and what they’ve done,” said Duane Jackson Jr. “So for them to honor Ira Hayes was an amazing thing this morning, for them to share the history with their members here was amazing. I think it was a really good ceremony, especially for my grandma.”
He explained that his grandmother, Leatrice Davis (Whitaker) is one of the eldest living relative of Hayes.