Hartington community vows to never forget local veterans

P atriotism was on full display here for Memorial Day.

The red, white and blue could be seen almost everywhere in downtown Hartington.

American flags encircled the campus and much of the courthouse complex. Local businesses hung red, white and blue bunting all around their establishments. Miniature flags were planted into flower pots and patriotic music could be heard throughout the downtown district as area residents celebrated this special weekend of rememberance.

About 400 people gathered in downtown Hartington for the dedication of Hartington's newest attraction — the Hartington Veterans Memorial.

Streets around the memorial were blocked off to accomodate the overflow crowd gathered here for Saturday's ceremony.

Veterans Memorial project chairman Dan Kathol acted as the emcee for the event, which drew people in from as far away as Texas and California.

Kathol said this project had been a labor of love for him, one for which he had been hoping and praying for over the last three years.

Saturday's 75-minute celebration featured guest speakers Sen. Barry DeKay; John Hilgert, the Nebraska Director of Veteran Affairs; and Mike Navrkal, a retired Major General from Omaha.

Drs. Ben and Erin Schoeder were given a special thanks for donating the ground to kick start the project.

Another special moment featured the oldest veteran in Nebraska, 103-year-old John Grindvold of Hartington, who was escorted by veterans Lou Anne Creekmore and Dr. Connie Micek to christen the memorial site with a wreath which was laid at the foot of the entrance.

The local Color Guard provided a 21-gun salute and Taps were then played by Trinity Zach and Christian Fiscus to wrap up the celebration.

Carly Christensen then capped the event with a dramatic flyover with his red white and blue single-engine crop-duster.

Check out page 12 of this week's Cedar County News for more photos. A photo gallery can also be found online at www.Hartington.net.