The Gladbrook American Legion Honor Guard and Firing Squad. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

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. John Granchie, Peace Church, gave the message, followed by Gladbrook American Legion Auxiliary President Jeanne Paustian laying a wreath, and the Honor Guard and Firing Squad consisting of Tony Sienknecht, James Quisberg, Terry Schmitz, Paul Koester, Leo Lohse, Dennis Haack, Bob Knaack, Merlyn Applegate, Doug Sienknecht, Steve Willer, Jim Schneider, Jim Gethmann, and Ron Busch stood at a attention and fired the 21 gun-salute. Taps was played by Gladbrook-Reinbeck student Leila Thesing.

The services ended at the All-Veterans Memorial in Gladbrook where many in attendance 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 Bruce Appelgate as the “National Anthem” was sung by David Buskohl. Flags representing all the Branches of Service were raised.

Rev. Granchie, an Air Force veteran, stated:

At Gladbrook’s All-Veterans Memorial, Korean War veteran Bruce Appelgate raised the American flag during the playing of the National Anthem. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Memorial Day is an official holiday in the United States. It was observed on May 30 until 1971, when for federal employees, the date was changed to the last Monday in May. It is also known as Decoration Day. The custom of placing flowers on the graves of the war began on May 5, 1866, in Waterloo, New York, and Waterloo has been recognized by Congress as the official birthplace of Memorial Day.

In 1868, Gen. John Logan, then president of the Grand Army of the Republic, declared that May 30 would be a day to decorate the graves of comrades with ‘flowers who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion.’ After World War I the day was set aside to honor all Americans who died in wars, then the custom was extended to pay tribute to deceased relatives and friends, both military and civilian. The most solemn ceremony conducted on Memorial Day is the placing of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns located in Arlington National Cemetery.

Today we celebrate this day. Many people see it as just a day off, a three-day weekend. A reason to cook out and invite friends over, but for those who have lost someone because of war or military action, it means much more than a day off. In fact, every American ought to recognize this day and honor those who gave their lives to make America what it is today: free, strong, and a nation worth fighting for. Because men have died for this country, we have the right to preach God’s word freely. We have the right to live at peace in our own homes. We have the right to pursue peace, prosperity and happiness. We need to thank God for those who died to make us free.

On Memorial Day we mourn the loss: On June 6, 1944, a force of 176,000 Allied soldiers from the U.S., Great Britain, and Canada stormed the beaches of Normandy in northern France. D-Day or Operation Overload, was the largest seaborne invasion in history. The Allied forces suffered 5,000 casualties.

We Remember the lives of those that gave all by carrying on their legacy. How do we carry on that Legacy? How do we remember and honor those who died for our freedom?

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

On this Memorial Day, we honor a new generation of men and women who are defending our freedom. This is a great way to remember those we lost. I encourage you to go up to those men and women and shake a hand and give a hug, and give a word of thanks. Think about volunteering at a veteran’s hospital or a nursing home. I would ask you to work with your local veterans’ group to help support our troops in the field, and their families here at home. Look for ways to serve in your community because you have the freedom to serve, carry on the legacy, and remember the lives of our fallen heroes by serving. They served our country and gave all it’s the least we can do.

Be thankful for the sacrifice of our fallen loved ones who served. The best way to be thankful for our freedoms is to honor our veterans by showing thankfulness to them. Love your country, respect your neighbors, and encourage patriotism. Fly your flags proudly and when you’re called into action for whatever cause you think is worth standing up for, answer the call. Do your part and never ever give up.

ALA President Jeanne Paustian then 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 and Firing Squad gave a 21 gun-salute. The service ended with the playing of Taps by Leila Thesing.

Before the service, ALA member Chris Hickman passed out the memorial booklets. Following the service, the Gladbrook Auxiliary Unit hosted a dinner at the Memorial Building.

Gladbrook-Reinbeck High School trumpeter Leila Thesing pictured on Monday, May 26, during the at Chapel Cemetery Memorial Day service. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Rev. John Granchie is pictured at the All Veterans Memorial. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO