Fallen veterans honored with Memorial Day service

By Kelly Terpstra, kterpstra@charlescitypress.com

One only needs to hear the beginning notes of taps to know its a somber moment of remembrance wherever one might be.

Remembering those who have fallen defending our country — that’s what Memorial Day is all about.

Charles City honored those who died while serving in the armed forces on Monday in front of the Floyd County Courthouse.

On an unseasonably warm and windy day for late May, many residents from the area gathered around South Main Street to pay their respects.

“It’s just nice to have this ceremony to honor the service of people and for the community to show they value service by holding this and attending,” said Todd Prichard, who is Iowa’s representative in District 52 and who emceed Monday’s festivities alongside Charles City Mayor Dean Andrews.

Prichard, an attorney in Charles City, is a major in the Iowa National Guard. He has been deployed four times by the Army, serving a tour in Iraq. After officer training, Prichard deployed with the First Cavalry Division as rifle platoon leader to Kuwait as part of Operation Desert Spring. He is also a member of the Army Reserve.

The Salute to Colors was done by local Boy Scouts who put flags at half-staff. Then the honor squad presented arms and buglers played “Taps and Echo.” The Pledge of Allegiance was said, and a portion of the “Gettysburg Address” was read.

Tony Rottinghaus sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” and then Mayor Andrews read the Memorial Day proclamation. The placing of the wreath was done by the American Legion Auxiliary. The honor squad, comprised of four veterans representing four branches of the armed forces, fired off three rounds to salute departed comrades.

The Charles City High School band, directed by Jake Gassman, also played music with a theme geared toward patriotism and honoring one’s country.

Pastor Patty Kellogg provided the invocation and benediction.

Almost 670,000 members of the American military have been killed in combat since 1775.