Mike Kvidera plays Taps in Crystal Cemetery near Gladbrook this past Memorial Day. PHOTO COURTESY OF ANNETTE COLLINS

GLADBROOK – Words of expressions that one shows and feels for their fallen servicemen and veterans during the Memorial weekend are expressed by the laying of flowers, wreaths, symbolic flags, pictures and gifts.

This is what me, my family and cousin were doing at Crystal Cemetery, Gladbrook in Tama County this past Memorial Day. As we were saying our goodbyes, in the distance we all heard a faint sound of Taps being played. Our eyes caught sight of a gentleman further up at the cemetery. He was dressed in an Army uniform and proceeded from one grave to another playing Taps on his bugle.

As we were leaving my son and I stopped to thank him for his respect and thoughtfulness that he had shown. He introduced himself as Mike Kvidera, telling us he grew up on a farm near Gladbrook, lives in Marshalltown and served in the Army.

Each year he visits and plays Taps in tribute to his father and other family veterans.

So now I want to say thank you for touching our hearts that day. We will always remember this visit, his heartfelt sentiments and gratitude over this memorial weekend.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANNETTE COLLINS

Annette Collins is the daughter of Arthur and Ginette Landt.