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Conrad remembers her veterans |
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Wednesday, 30 May 2007 |
By Buck Traxler, I-O Editor
 A DAY OF HONOR – With the flag at half mast, Memorial Day was a time to lay down wreaths and salute fallen heroes at Hillside Cemetery. More than a million American service members have died in the wars and conflicts this nation fought since the first colonial soldiers took up arms in 1775 to fight for independence. I-O Photo by Buck Traxler
Wreaths were laid down at the gravesite of a veteran, to honor all, by the American Legion and VFW Auxiliaries, a 21-gun salute was fired off and Kay Naylor played Taps.
Pastor Jeff Redlin of the Pondera Valley Lutheran Church offered up an opening and closing prayer.
Out going American Legion Commander Pat Becker gave an address, talking about the reasons these people were gathered on Monday, to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country in wars and conflicts our nation fought in to maintain liberty.
He noted that, “From the Civil War to Europe, from Pearl harbor to Korea, from Vietnam, to Grenada, from Kuwait, to Afghanistan and Iraq, men and women have died so that we could continue to cherish the things they loved – God, country and family.”
He added, “We are reminded on this day that in each generation, brave men and women will always step forward to take the oath of allegiance as members of America’s armed forces, willing to fight and if necessary die, for the sake of freedom.”
Veterans do it for a strong national defense, to keep America safe, for their fellow comrades and for American core values of God and country, family patriotism and our religious heritage.
Becker also noted, that according to a recent Newsweek article, more than 1,200 children in the U.S. have lost a parent in the most recent Middle-East conflict.
“Life as they have known it will be much harder from now on with the loss of a parent, leaving them only memories of a loving mom or dad.”
Having said that, he added that in many cases the loss also meant their chances to attend college were greatly diminished.
“We feel the children of military personnel killed on active duty are entitled to receive money toward a college education,” he said.
The American Legion, through the Legacy Scholarship Fund, honors fallen warriors, ensuring that higher education can be a reality for these families.
“Making sure the children have the opportunity these parents cannot provide is perhaps the greatest tribute we can give our fallen warriors,” he said.
For more information on how to apply for the American Legion Legacy scholarship, contact Becker at 278-7741.
In closing the ceremony, Becker said, “May God bless them and may God bless you for caring enough to be here today.”
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