Henry County to remember those who served

MT. PLEASANT — With Memorial Day right around the corner, Henry County Communities plan a variety of ways to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.

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Beginning Thursday, May 23, Bob Svidal and Robin Daniel will led volunteers in placing flags in Forest Home, Old City, and St. Alphonsus cemeteries at the grave sites of servicemen and women. Additionally, beginning Saturday, May 25 at 8 a.m. flags will be raised at the Henry County Courthouse where they will remain flying for four days. Flags at the cemetery and courthouse will be retired Tuesday, May 28 at 4 p.m. Volunteers are welcomed and encouraged to assist in raising and retiring the flags.

In honor of Memorial Day, 10 names were already added to the Henry County Veteran Memorial. Names have been etched into this monument located on the Courthouse lawn since Nov. 11, 1994 and continued to be added around the central dedication reading “Dedicated to Henry County Veterans/In Honor of those who served/In tribute to those who perished/In gratitude to those now serving.”

Names added this year include Larry P. Meagher USMC, Ronald F. Shumaker USMC, Donald W. Tozer USA, Joseph L. Telgren USAF, Joseph E. Cottrell USMC, Warren W. Vandagriff USN, Wesley D. Barton USA, George L. Erickson USA, Paul O. Erickson USN, and G. Robert Erickson USN. This brings the name count on the memorial to 1,525.

These individuals and their families will be recognized at the Memorial Day Observation planned for Monday, May 27 at 10:30 a.m. in the Mt. Pleasant Community High School gymnasium.

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The observance ceremony will include a presentation of the colors by members of the VFW, American Legion posts, and Auxiliaries.

Mt. Pleasant Faith Lutheran Church Pastor Mike Scudder, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, will deliver the invocation and benediction for the event.

The MPCHS Band, under the direction of Brad Cook, will play patriotic music prior to the beginning of the program. They also will play the national anthem. Under the direction of Brooke Smith, a group of 15 middle school students will perform a presentation of the Gettysburg Address/Battle Hymn of the Republic.

Avenue of Flags Chairman and Honor Guard Commander Dean King will serve as the Master of Ceremonies.

Also on Memorial Day, May 27, the Swedish American Museum will observe the occasion beginning at 10 a.m. at 107 James Ave. in Swedesburg.

The Winfield Presbyterian Church will hold a Memorial Day service Monday at 10 a.m. followed by a reading of names at the cemetery.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com