HONORING OUR HEROES - MEMORIAL DAY EDITION
WEDNESDAY, MAY 26, 2021 | 7
The General, the Aged Marine, and the Yellow Lark a cane of the rest of his life because of those wounds. On the way back to my chair, I noticed a Marine from World War II struggling to set up his chair. I offer my assistance but he replies, “I can still do this by myself!” He calls me “Sonny” even though he’s only a couple years older than me. If I had been born in ‘27 or ‘28, instead of ‘29, I would have been drafted into the U.S. Army. But my time came later, from 1950-1957. A Cub Scout hands me a printed program, and to my surprise, the speaker is Lt. General Edward A Waldon, Commander of the 47th Infantry Division, from 1953-1957. He was Company Commander of “C” Company 682nd Engineer Battalion-47th Division Minnesota National Guard. He was Company Commander and I was the Company First Sergeant. We had an outstanding unit. Present today are other former members of Company “C”: Lt. Col. BY RALPH W. OLSON Ron Andreen, Lt. Kelly Forstrom, Arne Gynald, MI Sgt. Aldrich Assen, Fred Gunderson, and others. We enjoyed our reunion, recalling comrades and times FAIRVIEW CEMETERY, Memorial Day, 2003 — I past. But now it is time for the General to take his awake to a bright, sunny day, just a wisp of clouds seat with the other VIPs. and a light breeze. There is sure to be a large crowd The Willmar High School Band renders a much at Fairview Cemetery today. After a light breakfast, I toss a lawn chair into the back of the old green pickup appreciated march that sets the tone of the service. Old Glory flaps in the breeze at the gate of Soldiers and I’m on my way! Rest – two concentric circles, 58 military markers in I parked near the Calvary Cemetery. It’s a beautiful the outer ring, and 23 markers on the inner ring. It is sight; the confirmation class was here on Wednesday, impressive to behold. cleaning up the grounds. It is lovely. White military One can hear the sound of the heavy boots of the markers with individual flags attached adorn some Color Guard striking the ground. They carry the U.S. of the graves. The veterans’ council was up early this morning, making sure that every veteran in the county usury banner, the Minnesota state flag, and the POW and resting here is honored with a flag. The lawns have flag. Save for the heavy boot, it is quiet, very quiet. The band plays our national anthem. We stand been mowed and the lovely trees frame the picture. with hands over our hearts, hats off. I catch a glimpse I hurry across to Fairview and set up my chair of the aged Marine delivering a perfect hand salute; just across from the dias of chairs and microphones wrist and forearm in perfect alignment, with the reserved for the speakers. Mike Schroeder is here to elbow tucked in just a bit, fingers barely touching see that the service is broadcast over KWLM. the brim of his American Legion cap. He learned that I’m a bit early, so I walk up the rise to the east to the grave site of Evie’s father. We were here yesterday salute as a young man in the 1940s. The service begins, the audience is welcomed. Pastor to plan a geranium. The morning’s dew glistens on Tim Larson, everybody’s friend, delivers the invocathe leaves. We often note that Ed has a great view of Veteran’s Rest to the west. Ed was wounded in France tion. The Gold Star mother lays a wreath at the grave at dawn on November 11, 1918, a bit too early for the site, accompanied by the American Legion and VFW Armistice; that took effect at 11 a.m. that day. Ed used Auxiliary Presidents. An American Legion Boys Stater
Honoring
and
is introduced and “On Flanders Fields” is read. An Eagle Scout reads the names of the deceased veterans. Another American Legion Boy Stater reads General Logan’s orders establishing Memorial Day services. As the reading continues, a bright yellow lark swoops over the crowd, then almost straight up to the longest branch of the tallest oak. From time to time, I glance up at the branch on which the lark has perched himself, buffeted by the breeze. A sentinel, perhaps? The General delivers a fine address to do the right thing, a challenge to serve God and one’s fellow men. Darrell Larson comes forward to also read “On Flanders Field” as only Darrell’s rich bass voice can. Wayne Emberland commands the Honor Guard. Military rifles at arms – Ready! Aim! Fire! Fire! Fire! The names of Veterans who have died this past year are read, taps are played. There is not a dry eye in the crowd. The yellow lark is not disturbed, but stays sure and steady at his post. I now look up at the longest branch of the tallest oak and the sentinel lark is gone. He’s missed it, he’s missed the sight of the single tear coursing down the cheek of the aged Marine, the tear the falls to hallowed ground. The book is closed, the prayers are said, and we are part of the uncounted dead, thrice happy if we can hear some soul say, “I live because he passed my way!” (John Wells).
Saluting
our
HeroeS
Happy Veterans Day!
