Memorial Day Observed In Stanley
American Legion Charles Hartman Post #134 held Memorial Day Services in Stanley on Monday, May 25 in the Stanley High School gym. Following a welcome and the presentation of the colors by the Post Color Guard, Wrigley Hysjulien played and sang the National Anthem. The crowd recited the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the invocation by Milo Mell.
The guest speaker for the day was Ron Nichols. He said that as we gather on Memorial Day it is more than a tradition, but also the fulfillment of a commitment to the ordinary human beings who accomplished extraordinary things. They answered the call of duty to their nation throughout history from the Revolutionary War through today. Americans are fortunate to rely on those citizens who willingly fight and die for our country.
These men and women fight in unfamiliar surroundings in trouble spots around the world to protect freedoms. On this day, we honor those who picked up the tools of war. We honor those who have passed as we come face to face with the cost of war in human lives.
Those soldiers gave us this precious day and all the days of our future, acting out of patriotism to the goal of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Since the first wars, more than one million Americans have died in defense of our freedom. Veterans paid a high price to get to this point, succeeding in building a nation that stands for freedom.
We carry them with us, but if we remember them only in sorrow, we are doing them a disservice. Honor the dead by helping the living to ensure that they will not have died in vain.
Veterans Service Officer Lisa Lapica told the story of the Fallen Soldiers Table that sat at the back of the room. The table is set for one. The round table is a symbol of the everlasting devotion of the officer and a grateful nation.
The tablecloth is white, symbolic of the purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms.
The single red rose in the vase signifies the blood they may have shed in sacrifice to ensure the freedom of our beloved United States of America. This rose also reminds of the family that has lost their loved one. The red ribbon on the vase also serves as a remembrance.
A slice of lemon on the plate reminds of their bitter fate. The salt reminds of the countless fallen tears of families as they wait.
The glass is inverted. They cannot drink with those there. The chair is empty. They are not here.
The candle is reminiscent of the light of hope which lives in hearts of a grateful nation.
Following that presentation and a benediction by Milo Mell, the Color Guard marched from the school to the cemetery for the annual wreath ceremony. Following a prayer by Milo Mell, he and Ken Halvorson hung the wreath as the Color Guard saluted their fallen comrades. The mournful sound of TAPS filled the air as the ceremony drew to a close. The public was invited to return to the school for a meal in the cafeteria following the ceremony.