By Elaine Rassel
This year the weather cooperated as far as being able to have the Avenue of Flags up. The crowed tat usually attend the Memorial Service wasn’t as large as other years. There were a number of events taking place that Sunday and Monday.
Commander Don Drefke welcomed those in attendance. We were there that morning to remember those who had given their lives for us to remain a free nation.
Chaplain Tom Steffens led us in prayer thanking God for His guidance and helping us to remember our deceased who’s resting places are only known by God.
The speaker this year was Larry Rapagnani. I thank him for speaking on the few from our communities that were listed in the past blue history book. There are many more that I will write on at a later date.
“Good morning and thank you for coming to our Memorial Day Service. I am Larry Rapagnani a retired LTC from the US Air Force after 23 years of service. What is Memorial Day vs. Veteran’s Day? Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the military personnel who have died in the performance of their military duties while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Veteran’s Day honors all military veterans.
Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.
What do you think of when you hear the word “war”? Battles, guns, planes, ships. What we must always remember is that real people fought in wars. Men and women served our country and many died doing this. Therefore my talk will honor several Marcus men who gave their lives as the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Some have been forgotten over time and a few might be remembered by someone here. Their stories are in the Marcus History Book and I urge you to look them up.”
In front of the monument were several crosses. As Jan Drefke handed a wreath to Owen Erikson, Commander Drefke said, “We remember those from Civil War, Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War and all other conflicts our country has been involved in which our troops have served. (Wreaths were put on crosses as war was mentioned.) “Flowers will wither and die, but the spirits left will remain forever.”
Last year all across the beaches of Normandy tens of thousands came from across the globe to pay their respects to the dead and laud the surviving soldiers of D-Day, June 6, 1944. This past year, due to the COVID-19 virus pandemic that has infected 6.6 million people, killing over 391,000 and devastating economy, there were no celebrations on any of the beaches. Single visitors paid respects at the American cemetery on a bluff overseeing Omaha Beach to over 9,000 servicemen.
Only the salty brine coming off the ocean on Omaha Beach hits the nostrils, the shrieks of seagulls pierce the ears and a sense of desolation hangs across the region’s country roads. People visiting might not be there, but the dead will always be there. They will never e forgotten by the people that they came to save from Nazis oppression. Many countries take care of those who died while there are those who died that only the Lord knows their final resting place. We thank them for the freedom they gave us and may they rest in peace wherever they may be.
There were five new names engraved in the stone boards you see as you come into Marcus Amherst Cemetery form the East. These names are Charles D. Rae, Paul Shea, Dwight Moats, Ron Prescott, and Mary Florence Harder. (I wonder if she is the first woman on this board. I’m going to look further into this.)
Chaplain Steffens concluded the program with a prayer. To the left of the speaker’s stand, a line of legionaires was seen. Stillness fell over the crowd as on an order, those with guns fired them off filling the air with the smell of gunpowder. Then there was silence again when only the sound of the trumpeter, Don Drefke, was heard playing “Taps”. It was a time for us to pause and remember those who had gone before us.
Legionnaires participating in the program were Jack Shea, Leonard Dreckman, Larry Alesch, Phil Ladenthin, Neal Waller, Bud Busch, Tom Stiffens, Denny Specht, and Don Drefke.
Don Drefke acknowledged that Dennis Horstman would be presented a certificate for 50 years of Legion membership.
Gary Harms donated a large number of small flags.