American Legion takes time to memorialize the fallen

By Ed Banks Harrison News-Herald Staff Writer

CADIZ — On Memorial Day, the traditional parade formed at the Courthouse and then proceeded to the Cadiz Union Cemetery to join the annual ceremonies where the memorialization of our fallen men and woman takes place.

Steve Keesey, commander of Cadiz Post 34 of the American Legion, opened the ceremonies in front of a large crowd of Legion members, Honor Guards, Sons of the American Legion, the Legion Auxiliary, and many onlookers.

“Welcome to this 2023 Memorial Day Service,” Keesey opened. “We are here to honor all of the departed, and the living veterans of all wars. These brave men and women sacrificed so much to go and serve in this country’s armed forces. We can not forget or deny any opportunity to remember just how these individuals left their families and friends and went to bear arms as required!”

Post 34’s Chaplin Ron Romshak offered a prayer of thanks to the fallen and their families. Romshak’s prayer also included thanks to the many Post 34 individuals and other contributors who participated in the day’s celebration.

Cory Patton, den leader of Pack 269 of the Cub Scouts of America, along with two Cub Scouts Wyatt Zeroski and Maddoux Beard lowered the American Flag from the raised position to half mast. The changing of the flag position was accompanied by the singing of the National Anthem by Harrison Central student Selena Mojica.

A well-prepared and informative speech followed by Harrison Central Student Drake Wat- son. Some of the outtakes from the speech are as follows:

- “Fellow Americans, we do not forget! Whether it’s an hour or a century, we remember. Just ask the families! Nelson MacLean and James Frost. These two Coast Guard heroes were aboard the Coast Guard cutter the “Tampa,” as it escorted merchant steamers between allied ports during World War I. Sunk by a German U-Boat in 1918, 111 Coast Guardsmen and four Navy sailors lost their lives.”

- “A flaw in the award criteria did not permit Coast Guard veterans from receiving Purple

Hearts for actions that occurred before World War II . This injustice has been corrected and just this year the families of Fireman MacLean and First Lt. Frost finally received the medals earned long ago by their heroic ancestors. The Coast Guard continues to identify families whose ancestors still have not received the medals that they have earned.”

- “We honor the heroes of all wars, not just on Memorial Day, but through our daily commitment to ensure that America remains a place worthy of such sacrifice!”

- “As we gather here today, we are reminded of the words of President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. (Quote) “‘t is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.’ Today, we are the living, and we are dedicated to continuing the work of those who have gone before us.”

- “We are dedicated to preserving the memory of our fallen heroes and declare our unending gratitude and support for their families.”

Two special veterans were recognized by Commander Keesey during the program. They were James Talbert and Russel Dale Galbraith. Talbert is a veteran of WWII. He along with his twin brother Dave were stationed in the Philippines, but not at the same post. Talbert, at an age of 101 years, was in attendance for the day’s program. Galbraith is the only Harrison County veteran who remains “Missing in Action.” He was a veteran of the Vietnam War who went MIA on Dec. 11, 1968. The family remains hopeful of finding DNA that will finally bring him home for a proper service and burial.

Harrison Central student Kaylee Vermillion played “Taps” while the Legion Honor Guards presented a three-volley salute. The playing of “Taps” was echoed by Harrison Central student Aiden Pettit.

The placing of the memorial wreath at the rear of the presentation platform was performed by Chaplin Romshak.

In gratitude of their part in the day’s ceremonies, Commander Keesey thanked the people who took part in the parade, Cub Scouts, the community, Post 34, Mr., and Mrs. Eric Zalinski, the students from Harrison Central, the cemetery groundskeepers, and all of the people who placed the flags at the graves.

The program was organized with the assistance of Post 34’s membership. Those members include (Legion members) Steve Keesey, Ron Romshak, Mike Banks, Bob Swan, Ed Ben Burgins, Heavener, Mike McCombs, Ray Bouchon, Gary Dodds, and Don Richards; (Son of the American Legion) Dave Swan, Tom Poland, Dan Watson, Eric Miller, Rod Cowans, Stanly Twarog, Terry Galey, James Talbert, and Al Galbraith; and (Legion Auxiliary) NettieTwarog, Janette Burgins, Joanne Romshak, and Renee Banks.

Following the chaplin’s closing prayer, everyone was invited to the Legion for a light lunch.