The American Legion Post 413 Memorial Day ceremony was held inside because of a steady downpour on May 25, but it was meaningful just the same. The Post 413 Honor Guard was there, along with Cook County High School band members Libby Zafft (on left) and Owen Anderson (far right). The band students played Taps at the end of the ceremony.
American Legion Post 413 Commander Don Wilson welcomed a standing room only crowd to the Legion lounge on Monday, May 25 when the traditional Memorial Day ceremony was forced indoors by a steady drizzle.
The ceremony was meaningful nonetheless, as community members gathered to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice as well as the veterans who died in the last year.
The ceremony started with a beautiful rendition of the national anthem by Cook County High School members Linden Sutton, Selien Morawitz, Meredith Sutton, Shae Morawitz and Veronica Lopez, directed by Choir Teacher Erika Ternes.
Pastor Kris Garey of Trinity Lutheran Church offered a prayer and before giving a brief speech about Memorial Day, Commander Wilson said he would like to dedicate the day’s event to two dear friends, veterans who died last year, Norbert Mayer and Jerry Hess.
Of the young men who perished in the many wars and conflicts the United States has faced, Commander Wilson said he didn’t like to hear people say they “gave their lives.”
Above Left: Cook County High School band member Libby Zafft graduates and goes off to college this year, so this is likely the last time she plays Taps at the Memorial Day event. Her service, and that of the other CCHS band members is much appreciated. Above right: The CCHS choir also took part in the Memorial Day ceremony, singing the national anthem. (L-R) Linden Sutton, Selien Morawitz, Shae Morawitz, Veronica Lopez, Meredith Sutton.
Wilson said, “Not a one of them said, ‘Here I am, shoot me.’ No, their lives were taken from them.”
He said they had plans to live their lives. They wanted to do their jobs and go home to their families, he said, but their lives were taken from them. Commander Wilson said we must always remember them.
Wilson encouraged everyone to take time to visit a cemetery. He said when the American Legion places flags on veterans’ graves each Veterans Day and Memorial Day, he sees many graves with grass growing up and headstones falling over. He asked everyone to consider spending some time caring for those graves.
Commander Wilson then read a roll call of the veterans with ties to Cook County who passed away since last Memorial Day. Between each name, he tapped the commemorative bell used each Memorial Day to honor those veterans. The solemn sound echoed over the audience.
Pastor Garey gave a closing blessing and Taps was played by CCHS seniors Libby Zafft and Owen Anderson, also echoing through the building.
The American Legion Honor Guard was then dismissed and Legion Auxiliary Chaplain EvaLyn Carlson offered a prayer before a wonderful meal prepared by the Auxiliary was enjoyed, along with much reminiscing and remembrance.
Commander Don Wilson spoke and Pastor Kris Garey of Trinity Lutheran Church gave a blessing.
Leave a Reply