The
services at the Mount Pulaski
Cemetery included the laying of
wreaths around the monument as well
as the "What Memorial Day Means to
Me" speeches by contest winners Emma
Buenrostro and Kamryn Aylesworth.
Retired Master Sergeant of the
United States Air Force, Chuck
McCue, was the keynote speaker. He
mentioned how he walked the cemetery
in search of all veterans and put
together a list of wars in which
those had served and given their
lives. He mentioned how he had even
found a grave belonging to a soldier
from the Spanish American War.
McCue noted how every little flag
throughout the cemetery represented
sacrifice. "There is something about
the military that makes you grow up
faster," he said.
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"Military service
comes with great rewards and a
series of risks," he observed as he
reminded us of those killed not just
in combat, he also recounted stories
of servicemen and women killed in
non-combat missions. For example, he
spoke of the six Marines killed in
the helicopter crash over Nepal
recently who were delivering
supplies to the earthquake-stricken
country. "These Marines were trained
warriors but they lost their lives
in a noble endeavor to save lives,
not to take lives," he said, as he
then began to name those killed and
ended with a "Rest in Peace."
Finally he told the crowd to "please
keep these families in your thoughts
as they gather on this Memorial
Day." His speech served as a solemn
reminder of those who not only died
preserving our freedom, but also
died while helping others. Thanks to
all the veterans on this Memorial
Day.
[Teena
Lowery]
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