REMEMBERING: Area Memorial Day celebrations
In Waukon...
Rainshowers may have dampened the parade plans for the Memorial Day observance in Waukon Monday, May 25 but certainly not the spirit of honoring and remembering that goes hand-in-hand with the day's events. This year's featured speaker, Staff Sergeant Peter Bieber of the 1133rd Transportation Company of the Iowa Army National Guard, spoke of the history of the National Guard and his deployment experiences in Iraq, the first of which was cut short by injuries suffered in a mortar attack. Quilts of Valor honorings once again recognized the efforts and sacrifices of area veterans, and a weekend visit from the U.S.S. Wainwright mobile museum also gave area residents a unique first-hand look at life aboard a U.S. Navy ship experienced by local veterans Virgil Thorstenson and Dean Bechtel.
In Harpers Ferry ...
Neither forecasted nor encountered rainstorms could prevent the Memorial Day observance in Harpers Ferry from taking place Monday, May 25. Members of the American Legion Auxiliary displayed their colors during the traditional parade, with local veterans Jim Cota and Les Onken driving home some memories with a vintage wartime vehicle. The annual observance program also took place at the site of the Veterans Memorial, where Iowa Girls State selection Alyvia Jones addressed the crowd in attendance.
In Lansing ...
The annual Memorial Day observance in Lansing took place Monday, May 25 with some modified changes due to morning rainshowers. The traditional parade was able to survive the weather, but the usual observance program at Oak Hill Cemetery was moved inside to the Kee High School gymnasium, where local resident Norman Reeves was recognized for being the lone World War II veteran in attendance and one of the very few remaining in the community. Pastor Kevin Smith of Lansing United Methodist Church presented this year's Memorial Day Address, and one of the featured highlights of the entire day was the dedication of a flag pole located outside the VFW Hall in Lansing in honor of VFW Post 5981 Quartermaster Bob Peters, as evidenced by the plaque attached to the foundation of the flag pole.
In New Albin ...
Mother Nature knew just when to put a stop to morning rainshowers so the annual Memorial Day observance in New Albin was uninhibited Monday, May 25. Although the traditional observance program held inside the New Albin Community Center was safe regardless of the weather, the honors conducted by the VFW Color Guard at the New Albin City Cemetery and at the Veterans Memorial in the New Albin City Park were also spared from wet weather. Vietnam veteran Earl Mitchell addressed the crowd in attendance at the indoor observance ceremony, and nine local veterans were honored with Quilts of Service during that ceremony as well. Among those veterans receiving Quilts of Service this year were Elton Darling, Lawrence Mitchell, Norma Fruechte, Edward Beck, Albin Massman, Howard Selberg, Don Hitchins, Norman Dresselhaus and Max Marzen.
To view the photos featured on the front page of this week's edition of The Standard, along with many more, click on the Photo Galleries link at the top of the page.
