Ainsworth holds first full Memorial Day service since pandemic

AINSWORTH — After two years of downsized ceremonies due to the pandemic, residents of Ainsworth again gathered in the city center building Monday morning to honor Memorial Day.

Members of the James Harlan Thoma American Legion Post said it was good to be back.

“It feels good to get back,” said Comm. Tom Hartsock. “It’s the kind of ceremony that we’re supposed to have for Memorial Day, and it’s a shame that we couldn’t have it … the last couple of years we just had a little ceremony at the cemetery, we just had the firing squad and played taps and that was it. I’m glad that we’re able to do it again, and I hope to keep doing it.”

Veterans said they were thankful for the show of support from their community, as hundreds packed onto the bleachers of the former school gymnasium.

“To the public, I’d like thank them very much for the privilege of serving our country,” said Jim Stevens, a Legion member who drove a Swift boat during two tours in Vietnam. “They took care of us very well in the service … the public was very much appreciated. This country still is very much appreciated.”

American Legion Department of Iowa Chaplain Dan McClure, in an impassioned — and often opinionated — speech, said the holiday honored more than those who died in service.

“In my hometown, a guy named (Bill) was a well-known drunk … I used to go up to city park and sit with Bill and his buddies, listen to stories about World War I and World War II,” McClure said. “Bill was a scraggly old piece of junk, as far as I was concerned. Bill died, probably 15 years ago. This is his day.

“He didn’t die in combat, but he never came home. He was there in body, but old Bill was a mess because of what he faced for our country … the cost for your freedom, and my freedom, is unbelievable.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com