Charles City reflects on its protectors during Memorial Day
Press photo by Chris Baldus Veteran Art White, top center, and Charles City Boy Scouts lower their heads in prayer during the Memorial Day service Monday at the Floyd County Courthouse.
Press photo by Chris Baldus Shain White, at right, reflects a moment before dispersing with the honor guard at the courthouse.
Press photo by Chris Baldus Members of the Charles City High School concert band join in saying the pledge of allegiance at the service at the courthouse.
By Chris Baldus
Stand at the edge of Charles City and look to the western horizon as the sun paints it orange, pink, sometimes a deeper red over the farm fields and tree groves.
Stand in front of the Floyd County Courthouse and look at the hundreds of white-lettered names cut into the black massive granite stones. Chances are those people carried the memories of Floyd County sunsets with them as they left their homes to serve their nation in the military.
Some never made it home. Some did, and they lived out their lives among those they protected.
All were remembered Monday in ceremonies across the city.
The ceremonies began with patriotic services at the post homes of the city’s V.F.W, American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and AMVETS.
The veterans groups hosted memorial services at Riverside Memorial Gardens, Sunnyside Cemetery, and Calvary Cemetery.
The Legion and Auxiliary also had a ceremony at the Walking Bridge during which a wreath was dropped into the Cedar River in memory of veterans who have passed. Jean Campbell also placed a similar wreath at the veterans memorial in front of the courthouse during the 10 a.m. service.
Veteran Art White, who led the ceremony at the courthouse, spoke of the earlier services and the many flowers, flags and memorials that filled the cemeteries. “It was awesome,” he said.
Similarly, he also noted as awesome that the Charles City High School concert band was part of the courthouse ceremony, along with the Boy Scouts and so many others in attendance.
White also asked for a round of applause for Mary Mooberry “for putting all this stuff together,” he said
Charles City Mayor Jim Erb read a proclamation declaring Memorial Day and urging people to reflect on the lives of the men and women who have protected our nation. He also noted that when his generation went off to war, they went, fought and came home. It’s not always that way in today’s world.
“These days, because of terrorism, and the fact that we now have a volunteer force, we have a bunch of individuals who have dedicated their entire lives to protecting us,” he said. “Because the main reason why we are in places around the world where we are in combat is to protect us here at home.”
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