Gladbrook Legion, Auxiliary host Memorial Day services

ALA President Jeanne Paustian pictured at the “All Gave Some, Some Gave All’ stone.

Gladbrook-Reinbeck trumpeter Leila Thesing is pictured at Badger Hill Cemetery.

Jr. Auxiliary member Kinley Miller gave a poppy to veteran Loran Frericks.

Rev. John Granchie is pictured at the Union Grove Cemetery.

The Honor Guard & Firing Squad is pictured at Badger Hill Cemetery.

At the All-Veterans Memorial Korean War veteran Larry Reinig raised the American flag during the playing of the National Anthem.

: The Honor Guard & Firing Squad is pictured at Badger Hill Cemetery.

: Gladbrook-Reinbeck trumpeter Leila Thesing is pictured at Badger Hill Cemetery.

: ALA President Jeanne Paustian pictured at the “All Gave Some, Some Gave All’ stone.

: Jr. Auxiliary member Kinley Miller gave a poppy to veteran Loran Frericks.

: At the All-Veterans Memorial Korean War veteran Larry Reinig raised the American flag during the playing of the National Anthem.

: Rev. John Granchie is pictured at the Union Grove Cemetery.

GLADBROOK – The Gladbrook American Legion & Auxiliary and Lincoln AMVETS hosted the annual Memorial Day Services at 15 Mile Grove, Maple Hill, Badger Hill, Chapel, Union Grove, Union Grove Lake, Crystal, and Gethmann Cemeteries. Rev. John Granchie, Peace Church, gave the message, followed by Gladbrook American Legion Auxiliary President Jeanne Paustian laying a wreath, and the Honor Guard & Firing Squad consisting of Tony Sienknecht, James Quisberg, Terry Schmitz, Paul Koester, Leo Lohse, Dennis Haack, Bob Knaack, Merlyn Applegate, Doug Sienknecht, Steve Willer, and Jim Schneider stood at a attention and fired the 21 gun-salute. TAPS was played by G-R student Leila Thesing. 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 Larry Reinig as the “National Anthem” was sung by David Buskohl. Flags representing all the Branches of Service were also raised.

Rev. John Granchie, an Air Force veteran himself, stated “Memorial Day is a time each year when we pause to remember those who laid down their lives for our great nation and freedoms we enjoy. One week after the Pearl Harbor attack President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “Those who long enjoy such privileges that we enjoy forget in time that others have died to win them.” Freedom is never really free; it’s almost always bought with the blood of patriots.” He also stated, “Former Senator Fred Thompson once said, ‘This wouldn’t be the land of the free if it were not the home of the brave.’ It is good and proper for us to thank God for the men and women who have sacrificially loved each of us through their military service. On this Memorial Day, we pause to remember those who have died in service to our country, our freedom, our security, and our choices. Not everyone in the world has the privileges that we have. We have them because of the lives that have been offered. I urge you to remember what Memorial Day is all about, not just today but daily as you live out your life in a free country.”

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 Leila Thesing.

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.