“Assistant Editor Jerry Lindsey wrote the report and submitted the photos. Editor’s note: Flags displayed in the downtown area are installed by Emmanuel Church’s volunteer “Flag Team.”
“Memorial Day has been observed in the United States for 154 years. The City of Morrison, IL, can stand proud in its efforts to recognize and honor those men and women, who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their Country.”
Left-to-right are Color Guard Lori Matack, U. S. Coast Guard; Flag Bearers William Brackemyer, U. S. Army, and Amy Johannsen, U. S. Air Force; Color Guard Dennis Vanzuiden, U. S. Navy. Behind are three Legionnaires who chose to march: Jerry Brearton, Kenneth Petersen (in his 80s), and Robert Brands (age 92.)
Following were dignitaries at the 155th Decoration/Memorial Day Ceremony. Left-to-right are Father Slawomir Zimodro, St. Mary Catholic Church; escort driver Mark Schuler; Vocalist Rich Criss, Emmanuel Church; Mayor Scott Vandermyde.
Lindsey wrote, “Following a spirited Parade of recognition that ended at the Morrison Memorial Park, hundreds gathered in the shade to listen, appreciate, and applaud those being honored.
“Flora Stralow offered a community thank you, to those who donated to the purchase of over 350 new replacement flags. These were on display lining “The Avenue of Flags,” U. S. Highway 30 and IL Route 78. She noted that the retired flags had served well since their installation on Memorial Day 1990.
“Featured speaker Jim Prombo opened his remarks with a statement that sums the definition of Memorial Day. ‘We live in a great Country that draws its greatness from its love of liberty and its dedication to freedom, as demonstrated so keenly by the sacrifices made by great people. No, not the people in Washington, not those in the NFL, NBA, or MLB, and definitely not in Hollywood. We see the greatness of America and its striving for liberty in the sacrifices made by the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and women, and our guardians in the Coast Guard. They have served in numerous wars. Many have sacrificed their lives so that we might be here today, enjoying the blessings of freedom.’
“Prombo’s recognition of the great names of history who gave the ultimate sacrifice to enhance the liberty of a growing Nation continued. Citing poignant details of heroism, he listed heroes whose names should always be associated with the efforts of a Nation to be free.
● 1st Lt. Nathan Hale – American Revolution
● Army Pvt. Samuel Eddy – Battles of Saylers Creek (1865)
● Navy Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class John Q. Siegel – WWl
● Navy S1c Franklin Adams – WWll (Pearl Harbor)
● Marine Pvt. Thomas A. Baker – WWll (Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands)
● Air Corps 1st Lt. Donald J. Gott – WWll
● Army Corporal Gordon M. Craig (Kason, South Korea)
● Army Specialist 4th Class Leonard Alvarado (Provinces of Vietnam)
● Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan B. Bruckenthal – Coast Guard
● (Female) Marine Sgt. Johanny Rosario-Pichardo – Afghanistán.
“After detailing each hero’s contribution to the cause of maintaining liberties for fellow military personnel and serving the United States of America, Prombo ended, ‘Their names are many in the history of valor, by our American fighting men and women. We honor them today!'”
Johannsen and Matlack laid a memorial wreath in front of the pavilion. The Color Guard retired the Colors: left-to-right, Johannsen, Vanzuiden, Matlack, and Brackemyer.
Lindsey concluded, “The Memorial Day ceremonies and tributes ended with the playing of ‘Taps’ by Carolyn Aiken. The crowd dispersed with appreciation and remembrance of those that served and whose actions allowed them to gather in a free Country.”