PHILLIPS — American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars members put together Memorial Day programs with color guards, honor guards and speakers at the 19 area cemeteries on May 27. The message was to not forget what Memorial Day is designated for before heading out to the lake or looking for the holiday shopping deals.
In Phillips, members of VFW Post 5778, American Legion Post 122 were present and now include Boy Scout Troop 540 to serve as flag bearers. The featured speaker, Post 5778 Commander Mike Frazier, said Memorial Day is a good way to enjoy the extra time spent with family and friends, with backyard barbecues, or however people decide to spend it. He just asked that people don’t forget the reason for the holiday.
“Remember why we gather here to honor our veterans; It’s because of the few who are so willing to give of themselves to defend their brothers and sisters and their country,” he said. “But there is a difference about today. Memorial Day isn’t only about honoring veterans; it’s about honoring those who lost their lives. Many veterans had the ability to come home, but many did not. Memorial Day is a day that we as a country come together to honor and remember our servicemen and women who answered America’s call to service and paid the ultimate price. Memorial Day is the time for Americans as one body to stand up and say thank you. We remember you and we are grateful to you. So this ceremony is a part of how we remember our fallen. We honor our loved ones, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, friends and neighbors."
The best way to honor them is to care for their families, the bereaved parents who often become isolated after a tragic loss, he said.
Post 5778 Chaplain Doug Moquin said the opening prayer extended beyond the boundaries of St. Patrick’s Cemetery, to the 19 cemeteries in Price County where more than 3,000 veterans are laid to rest.
“As comrade after comrade departs, we march on with our ranks, growing thinner. Help us to be faithful unto thee and to one another,” Moquin said in his prayer. “Look in mercy on the surviving spouses and children of our departed comrades.”
Veterans placed flowers as a symbol of purity at the wreath and offered a statement to try and convey the sorrow and thanks for their sacrifices.
The Rev. Arleigh vonSeggern, who served as the officer of the day, said the flower was a symbol of eternity, as a way to “immortalize brave deeds of our soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen who have given their lives on land, sea, and in air.”
Phillips High School Band teacher Jayden Gustafson performed taps during the honor guard salute and the reading of the names of servicemen and women who are buried in area cemeteries. Members of the Phillips High School Choir under the direction of Alexandria Kirch were present to sing the national anthem. The students present included Cole Sidenbender,. Anna Belan and Noelle Stade.
“It’s just really nice to give back to the community in this way,” Kirch said. “It’s really appreciated by them and we’re glad to help.”
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