This Memorial Day, family and friends of area deceased veterans continued the tradition of gathering together to salute our fallen heroes at the annual Memorial Day program, which was held at the National Guard Armory on Monday, May 31, 2021.

The ceremony began with the posting of the Colors by the 155th Engineer Company, South Dakota National Guard. The colors were presented followed by the singing of the National Anthem by Rick Hurd.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7319 Commander, Mark Roberts, welcomed those in attendance. He thanked them for attending todays program and reminded them that today is the day we honor the veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice. Following the welcome, Pastor Tom Cartney gave the invocation.

Master of Ceremonies, Mark Roberts, introduced the guests that were present to include American Legion Commander Bob Kucera, Legion Auxiliary President June Stone, VFW Auxiliary President Charlene Beeson, guest speaker Mary Hurd and Wagner Mayor Todd Johannsen and his wife Barb.

Following the introduction of guests, Rick Hurd sang God Bless the USA.

The roll call of deceased veterans was read by Clayton Rados and Don Kotab. There are over 650 veterans on the roll call list. Only a few actually made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The remainder are those who wore the uniform and served our country proudly during war and peace. The list includes those interred in local cemeteries to cemeteries located as far away as Hawaii and Belgium. As each name was read, Legion and VFW Auxiliary members placed a poppy on a grave marker to commemorate the passing of each veteran.

Following the roll call of deceased veterans, Dana Sanderson played the service song of each of the five branches of the service, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard.

Veterans who served in each branch were asked to stand and be recognized.

Mary Hurd was the keynote speaker for the program. Mary, the daughter of COL Robert P. and Mary Jo Monfore, grew up on military bases throughout the world and is a self-proclaimed “military brat”.

She spoke of the veterans who gave their lives to ensure our freedom as “protectors”. They have protected our country from tyranny and oppression throughout our 246 year history.

Mary talked about her time growing up on military bases. Each post had only one house of worship which was used by all denominations, Catholic, Jewish and Protestant. There was only one prayer book shared by all which contained the three religions. No one complained, everyone shared and got along.

Schools she attended were much the same. There were kids of many colors and nationalities supporting each other, all getting along with each other. This is what we need to get back to.

Everyone working together to improve our lives and our country and working to protect the freedoms we have.

She concluded with a favorite quote of her father, “For those who have fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected will never know”.

Following the address, Rick Hurd sang “God Bless America” after which the American Legion and VFW Auxiliary representatives placed a wreath to symbolize the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

In closing, Mark Roberts stated that this Memorial Day we all salute those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, and we encourage everyone to take time to remind others what this holiday is really about.

Pastor Cartney gave the benediction before the retiring of the Colors by the 155th. The firing squad then fired a 21 gun salute to honor all fallen veterans, followed by Taps.

Lunch was served to over 100 veterans and their families at the American Legion following the program.