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 29, 2023.

Master of Ceremonies, Mark Roberts, introduced the participants that were present on stage to include American Legion Commander Clayton Rados, Don Kotab, guest speaker Ken Teunissen, Pastor Scott Wik, Jenny Barnett and Presley Slaba. He also recognized Wagner Mayor Tammy Thornton and VFW and Legion Auxiliary officers.

The ceremony began with the posting of the Colors by Det 1, 155th Engineer Company, South Dakota National Guard. The colors were presented followed by the singing of the National Anthem by Presley Slaba.

As Commander of the Wagner VFW, Mark Roberts thanked all for their attendance and asked for a moment of silent prayer in honor of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Following the welcome, Pastor Scott Wik gave the Invocation.

The program began with Jennifer Barnett reading her Voice of Democracy essay. The Voice of Democracy is an essay contest where high school students write and record a 3-5 minute essay. Jennifer won our local contest as well as the District and State level competition. Her essay competed at the national level where she placed 14th out of 53 entries. Her essay was a tribute to fallen soldiers, telling the story of selfless courage and dedication to their fellow soldiers and to their country.

The roll call of deceased veterans was read by Clayton Rados and Don Kotab. There are 732 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.

SSG Scott McNinch and SGT Josh Cass, members of the South Dakota National Guard Honor Guard, were present to fold a casket flag as Mark Roberts read the “13 Folds of the American Flag”. The flag, folded 3 cornered, was presented to representatives of the VFW and American Legion Auxiliaries as would be done at a veterans funeral.

Following the 13 Folds of the American flag, the theme song for each of the vve branches of the service, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard, was played. Veterans who served in that branch were asked to stand and be recognized.

The Memorial Day guest speaker was Ken Teunissen, a state legislator and Purple Heart recipient from Sioux Falls. He served in Vietnam where he earned his Purple Heart. Ken stated that today is one of the most expensive days of the year for American citizens. Memorial Day kicks off the summer season with BBQ’s, picnics, boating, camping and travel. It is also the most expensive day of the year for service members who paid with their life’s blood and for the mom’s who would never see their sons again and dad’s who would only remember them and the wives and children who would grow old without knowing them. This is the price we paid for freedom. Today we honor the men and women who lost their lives in service to our country. He asked that those of us who are enjoying BBQ’s, picnics and camping to remember the price paid by the 1.3 million who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure our way of life endures. As a closing gesture, Ken went into the audience and presented a Purple Heart pin to wounded warriors Bob Soukup and Dennis Clemens.

Following the address, 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.

The video of the Angel Flight was to be shown but wasn’t due to technical difficulties. For those interested in watching the song and video by Radney Foster, go to a web browser and type in Angel Flight. You will want to watch the remix version. The video is a moving tribute to deceased soldiers returning from combat on a C-130 “Angel Flight”.

Pastor Wik gave the benediction before the retiring of the Colors by the 155th. The rring squad then rre 3 volleys to honor all fallen veterans, followed by Taps.

Lunch was served to about 150 veterans and their families at the American Legion following the program.