It was a pleasant morning on Monday (May 29) when one of two Memorial Day services was observed at the Marcus Amherst Cemetery and the other observance being held at Trinity Lutheran cemetery presented by American Legion F.I. Goodburn Post #517.
In the absence of Commander Don Drefke, Larry Rapagnani welcomed those in attendance at the service that morning. He acknowledged those from the American Legion who were helping with the program that morning: Larry Alesch, John Wibe, Bud Busch, Denny Specht, Tom Steffens, Denny Horstman, Leonard Dreckman, Clark Rainboth, Phil Ladenthin, Neal Waller, and Larry Rapagnani.
We said the Pledge of Allegiance honoring those who gave their lives for their country. Chaplain Steffens led us in prayer—thanking God for the opportunities that abide in our land…May Thy merciful blessing rest upon those they left behind. Help us to unite with reverence and devotion our departed comrades—not only those who bodies consecrate our country’s soil but those who sleep beyond the seas and those others who will not be known until the last day when the deep has given up the dead. Keep us forever firm in righteousness, humble of heart, and unselfish in purpose. Keep the American Legion so they can preserve high ideals that our comrades died for. Amen.
Larry introduced the speaker for the service. Thomas Kohn is a retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class with 23 years of service. He was the Readiness NCO with Detachment 1, 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry Regiment and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion 194th Field Artillery for the Iowa Army National Guard. He served as Joint Fires Observer with combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Tom is currently the Director of Veterans affairs for Cherokee county and Junior Vice in the L.A. Wescott VFW Post 2253.
Tom resides in Cherokee and has two daughters: Peyton, a 2023 graduate of Cherokee Washington High School and Lily, a sophomore.
Tom spoke on the meaning of Memorial Day originally known as Decoration Day. Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving the in the service of their country. From 1868 to 1970 it was observed on May 30. Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1968 that moved four holidays, including Memorial day, from their traditional dates to a specified Monday in order to create a convenient three-day weekend. This change moved Memorial day from May 30 to the last Monday in May in 1971.
Freedom is not free. Tom went on to say that some of those we are remembering today gave their life for their country. Others fought for us to keep us a free country. It is with this ceremony today that we remember those with our memories as well as gratitude…Freedom is not free.
He concluded with reminding us of the service his department in Cherokee can give to veterans. He is there for us.
Larry said there were no new names added to the military wall located in the front of the cemetery. Youngster, Jack Leavitt helped with putting the wreaths in front of the monument. As each War/conflict was mentioned, a wreath was laid by that cross. We remembered those in the Civil War, Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Iraq and Afghanistan and all other conflicts we have been in for a long time. The final wreath was laid for the Unknown Soldier. Flowers may wither but the Spirit of which they resemble endure to the end of time.
Chaplain Steffens led us in prayer: Eternal god, we thank thee for this hallowed soil…may we pledge to our beloved land the same service and same devotion and our Lord secure to us ever more the peace to which our comrades died. Amen.
Then it was time for the 21 gun salute. We could hear the flags in the Avenue of Flags being blown by a wind but where we were, there was no breeze and even the birds were not chirping as a quiet peace fell over those attending. Then, in honor of the service of our veterans, we heard, “Ready, aim, fire!” From a far off distance, we heard TAPS being played ending the Memorial Day program.