Gladbrook Legion Jr. Auxiliary member Kinley Miller gave a poppy to her dad, Justin, who is a Sons of the American Legion (SAL) member. PHOTO COURTESY OF JEANNE PAUSTIAN

GLADBROOK – The Gladbrook American Legion and Auxiliary, and Lincoln AMVETS hosted the annual Memorial Day Services this past Monday at 15 Mile Grove, Maple Hill, Badger Hill, Chapel, Union Grove, Union Grove Lake, Crystal, and Gethmann cemeteries.

Rev. Tim Ayers gave the message, followed by Gladbrook American Legion Auxiliary President Jeanne Paustian laying a wreath, and the Honor Guard and Firing Squad consisting of Ron Busch, Loran Frericks, Terry Schmitz, Paul Koester, Leo Lohse, Dennis Haack, Bob Knaack, Jim Gethmann, Merlyn Applegate, Doug Sienknecht, and Jim Schneider standing at attention and firing the 21 gun-salute.

Taps was played by G-R student Vanessa Arvizu-Ersland. The services ended at the All-Veterans Memorial in Gladbrook.

At the All-Veterans Memorial, many were sitting in lawn chairs enjoying a beautiful spring day. June Bessman played patriotic songs prior to the 11 a.m. service.

The American flag was raised by Korean War Veteran Vern Woebbeking as the “National Anthem” was sung by David Buskohl. Flags representing all the Branches of Service were also raised.

The Honor Guard and Firing Squad is pictured at Badger Hill Cemetery. PHOTO COURTESY OF JEANNE PAUSTIAN

Rev. Ayers stated “Probably every one of us have a veteran lying in a grave or the ashes spread across a body of water or field. My father and his brothers served in WWII. They are buried in Pennsylvania. As a minister salutes their service, we stand here saluting our friends and relatives on this Memorial Day. For hundreds of years, men and women in the armed forces battled to preserve our country and the freedom of the American people as well as others. Memorial Day is the day we remember their sacrifices and bravery”.

ALA President Jeanne Paustian laid a wreath at the huge marble stone naming the servicemen who died in action during the wars.

David Buskohl led the singing of “God Bless America”.

The Honor Guard & Firing Squad gave a 21 gun salute.

The service ended with the playing of Taps by Vanessa Arvizu-Erland.

Trumpeter Vanessa Arvizu-Ersland and Rev. Tim Ayers of Peace Church pictured at the Badger Cemetery. PHOTO COURTESY OF JEANNE PAUSTIAN

Before the service Jr. Auxiliary member Kinley Miller passed out poppies and ALA member Chris Hickman passed out the memorial booklets. The Gladbrook Unit hosted a dinner at the Memorial Building.

ALA President Jeanne Paustian pictured at the “All Gave Some, Some Gave All’ stone. PHOTO COURTESY OF JEANNE PAUSTIAN