Charles City celebrates Memorial Day

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

Charles City paid its respects to fallen solders as the VFW Post 3914 presented the Memorial Day Remembrance Program on Monday, May 26.

“We greatly appreciate everybody coming out and paying their respects to our veterans,” said VFW member Phillip Knighten as the program opened.

Offering welcoming comments, Post Commander Denny Hull began the ceremony by giving his thanks to the post officers and the many volunteers that contribute to the VFW and its programming. From those who helped plant flags on graves across four cemeteries on Friday to the Charles City High School Band to the ladies of the VFW that keep everything organized.

“Without them I’d be totally lost,” said Hull.

Boy Scouts Liam Abbott and Max McCabe performed the Raising of the Colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem, performed by the high school band.

Pastor Patty Kellogg gave the invocation and Mayor Dean Andrews read the Memorial Day proclamation, noting that while fallen soldiers should be honored every day, it was good that people took a day specifically for them.

“We want to remember them today and thank them for all they have done,” said Andrews.

Following a selection of patriotic songs performed by the high school band, guest speaker Capt. Jonathan Thompson of the Iowa National Guard spoke about the history of Memorial Day, starting from its origins as Decoration Day in the Civil War.

“Today we perpetuate this tradition honoring their sacrifice,” said Thompson.

Decoration Day was renamed Memorial Day in the wake of World War I to include all of those fallen in conflicts. Thompson told the story of Merle D. Hay of Glidden, who enlisted in the Army in May of 1917 and was killed in the trenches of France on Nov. 3 of that year during a German raid, making him the first Iowan casualty of World War I.

“Thank you for being here today to honor our fallen heroes,” said Thompson.

The ceremony concluded with the Legion Auxiliary’s Mary Mooberry placing the memorial wreath, followed by a 21-gun salute and the sounding of taps.

Afterwards, visitors were invited inside the VFW to enjoy a freewill donation lunch of pork loin, mashed potatoes, beans, rolls and homemade desserts.