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Nov. 25, 1920
HARTINGTON — In peaceful Paragon, near where he romped as a school boy, the remains of Albert M. Weiger, Hartington’s first soldier hero who died in France, were quietly laid to rest Tuesday afternoon while the notes of the bugler sounded the call to sleep; to sleep until that day when another bugler will summon him to an honored place on the other side.
Simple indeed were the services for the first military funeral held for many years, but profoundly impressive in spite of the simplicity.
Even those unable to grasp the idealism of the act, felt moved to honor him.
The body of Private Albert M. Wieger, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Wieger of Hartington, arrived here at noon on Monday and was met at the station by members of the American Legion and a large crowd of citizens, among whom were many who were there to bid him “God Speed” when he left for Camp Dodge on May 28, 1918, in response to his country’s call.
When the flag-draped casket was taken from the train, every head was bared and there was hardly a dry eye in the entire audience.
The body was removed to the Wieger home, where members of the Legion stood their final watch around the remains of their comrade.
The funeral service was held Tuesday afternoon at the Congregational Church, which was not large enough to contain one-half of the crowd which sought admittance. With the flag-draped casket before the altar, Rev. S.A. Willard preached an eloquent sermon that will long remain in the hearts and minds of those who heard it.
Speaking to the theme, “the Soldier’s Service,” Rev. Willard announced the text from Matthew 16:25 “For who so ever would save his life, shall lose it; and who so ever shall lose his life for my sake shall find it.”
”There is an old Latin line,” he said. “That translated says, ‘it is sweet and worthy to die for one’s country.’ It is beautiful and worthy to give one’s life in any great and worthy service such as those represented by the call of our country during the Great War.”
