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Mt. Pleasant remembers fallen military
Veterans and civilians came together to remember the reason for Memorial Day at MPCHS Monday morning
MT. PLEASANT — The Mt. Pleasant Community observed Memorial Day with music, prayer, education and words from featured speaker Rep. Jeff Shipley at a ceremony Monday morning at the Mt. Pleasant Community High School.
Presented by the Avenue of the Flags, Henry County Veterans Memorial Committee, the ceremony began with patriotic music from the MPCHS band and the presentation of colors by members of the VFW and American Legion Posts and Auxiliaries.
“We gather here today to honor those who have passed on, those in particular those deceased United States Veterans who fought and died for our country so that we could have our individual freedoms that we cherish and safeguard,” event Master of Ceremonies, Avenue of Flags Chairman, and Honor Guard Commander Dean King said as he welcomed those in attendance.
“It is our hope that is a word is spoken, or if a note is played, or if a song is sung, or if a prayer is prayed, or if a shot is fired, it will help us understand the highest value we place on these freedoms and that our gathering here will be fruitful,” King said.
Quoting Lee Greenwood’s song “Proud to be an American,” King reminded the gymnasium of people gathered for the ceremony that Memorial Day is a time to honor those that gave their lives in defense of our county. King also gave a brief history of Memorial Day reminding the audience that the tradition began long before their lifetime and has grown to honor all those losing their lives in battle.
Mt. Pleasant Faith Lutheran Church the Pastor Mike Scudder provided an invocation and benediction for the ceremony by reading Psalm 33 and praying for the men and women that have served and continue to serve in the U.S. Military.
Under the direction of Brooke Smith, Mt. Pleasant Middle School student performed a reading of the Gettysburg Address in tandem with the Battle Hymn of the Republic before Rep. Jeff Shipley shared a Memorial Day address.
“As you all know our holiday is in remembrance of all those who sacrificed their lives in service to our country,” Shipley began. “But our appreciation extends far deeper than decorating cemeteries. We’re also here celebrating the promise of America, celebrating the American identity, and the American character. We’re celebrating the country which inspires the virtues of its people or perhaps more accurately celebrate the people who inspire the virtues of our country.”
“We’re here to say thank you to everyone who answers the call of service and to acknowledge the performance of one’s duty with the virtues of integrity and dignity, competence and proficiency, strength and courage, honor and valor, and of course, we’re especially grateful to those who lay down their lives making the ultimate sacrifice in the name of the greater good,” Shipley said. “Truly, there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for a friend.”
Additionally, King brought attention to the Veteran’s Memorial located at the Henry County Courthouse and started by the Avenue of Flags. According to King the names listed on the memorial only consist of deceased servicemen and women. Applications to add a loved one’s name to the memorial are accepted through April 1 for names added for Memorial Day acknowledgments and through Sept. 1 for recognition on Veterans Day.
Names added and recognized at the 2024 Memorial Day service include the following:
Robert H. Meyer, Navy
William G. Wright, Army
Paul William Moore, Navy
Ron Casca, Airforce
Marvin James Shank, Army
Roger D. Reiner, Navy
Jerry Lee Bonser, Army
Lynn J. Cochran, Airforce
David Lamont Brower, Army
Larry A. Milks, Army
The observation ceremony ended with Scudder reading Psalm 103 and the Honor Guard firing a three-volley salute followed by taps played by the MPCHS band.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com
