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Activities celebrate the actions of local servicemen and women
HARTINGTON — The last Monday in May marked the 157th anniversary of Memorial Day.
This nationally celebrated holiday calls for citizens to honor and remember our country’s fallen soldiers. Though the occasion brings sorrow, many friends and family use it to reminisce about past loved ones.
Area residents showed their respect with several different programs and events as services were held at most area cemeteries.
Hartington VFW Commander Dean McGregor led Monday's Hartington area ceremonies.
“We are assembled once again to express sincere reverence,” he told a Cedar County Courthouse crowd.
The names of many loved ones were on display among the estimated 260 flags that were placed around the courthouse.
Citizens gathered and looked to the surrounding flags for the names of the honored service men and women.
“Our presence here is in solemn commemoration of all of these men and women. A tribute to their devotion to duty, to their courage and patriotism, by their service on land, on sea, and in the air,” said McGregor.
Many attendees could be seen searching for the names of their own loved ones atop the waving flags.
Kelvin and Cynthia Puntney said they attended the event to honor their fallen family members, as well as their retired veteran relatives.
“They served for our freedom. We are here to support them,” said Kelvin Puntney.
As a part of the procession, VFW chaplain Gayle Hochstein read aloud the names of the fallen servicemen and women and joined LouAnn Creekmore in placing a wreath on each monument.
Hochstein said this ceremony is special to him.
“I have two family members here. My dad was in World War II, and I had a brother that was in the National Guard. So, I have a good connection to this, plus I am a veteran myself,” said Hochstein.
Creekmore also spoke about her family’s service, mentioning her father, who was a member of the Military Police after World War II.
“I’m attracted to the patriotism of it and the stories of the men who have lost their lives,” said Creekmore.
Both Hochstein and Creekmore agree Memorial Day is an important holiday that should be dedicated to honoring all fallen, active-duty and retired service members.
“I am a big believer in that the memory of the people these flags represent, their memory needs to go on. They have served their country, and the world needs to know that we, the rest of the people, cherish their memory,” Hochstein said.
Creekmore said she couldn't agree more.
