Grant County definitely has answered the call for service over the years.
And if there is any doubt, one has only to visit the cemetery around Memorial Day and Veteran's Day.
Monday was Memorial Day, and the annual Memorial Day ceremony took place at the cemetery at 11 a.m. In preparation for the event, volunteers were there bright and early at 7 a.m., placing wreaths and flags on the graves of those who had served.
As one approached the cemetery, the number of American flags waving in the breeze told a story - a story of sacrifice, a story of service above self. A story of the many service men and women who have gone one before us.
Monday's ceremony was hosted and is hosted annually by the Dexter D. Harbour American Legion Post 79 and Auxiliary. The ceremony was opened by Silas Rosales, who served in the United States Army from 2003 to 2010.
A beautiful rendition of the National Anthem was performed by local resident Haylee Kastl and the invocation and benediction were given by Gloria Mortensen.
Addresses were given by Ken Warner, who served his country in Vietnam and Nancy Borthwick.
“Today is not just another day on the calendar," Borthwick said in her address. "Memorial Day is a sacred pause. A moment when our nation collectively bows its head to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. They came from small towns and big cities. From farms and factories. From classrooms and offices. They wore the uniform not for fame or fortune, but because they believed in something greater than themselves."
Warner spoke of the sacrifice of those who have served from Grant County and the meaning of Memorial Day.
“As you look across this beautiful cemetery and see all of those wreaths and crosses, you realize Grant County has done its share - stepping up and serving this country," Warner said. "Today we do gather as Americans to observe one of the most sacred days of our national calendar - Memorial Day. It is more than just the official beginning of summer. It is more than cookouts, long weekends and family gatherings. Memorial Day is a day of remembrance. A day of gratitude. A day when we stop to honor the men and women of this United States Armed Forces who gave their lives in the service to this country."
Warner thanked the Grant County Cemetery Board for the work that was able to be done on the veteran's area at the cemetery. Graves there are veterans who the legion has buried for families who might not have been able to afford a burial otherwise. The markers had been sinking prior to the latest work which was in the form of concrete rows to raise the markers up.
Each of the veterans graves at the cemetery are marked with a white cross. Those crosses are built by Chuck Walters who "year after year with a steady hand and giving heart" makes sure they are completed. "Each one is a a quiet tribute to a life of service".
The crosses are maintained and placed through the efforts of Roger Flummerfelt, Whitey Summers, and Lance Babcock.
Legion members say the crosses are more than a project, "it is a promise to remember, to honor, and to never let these heroes be forgotten."
The crosses are restored, renewed and preserved through generous donations. The most recent donation of $5,000 was given by Pioneer Communications and CoBank.
The gun salute at the ceremony was completed by the Post 79 Honor Guard. A special wreath ceremony was done by Kyle and Marcy Stringham and taps was performed by Miranda Vasquez.
Veterans who have passed since last year's Memorial Day ceremony were recognized: Frances Smith, Rick Talmadge, Bennie Wood, Ron Smith, Ray VanZant, Robert Annis, Gary Bridwell, Howard Samuel "Sam" Forrer, and James L. "Jim" Walker. All of these veterans served in the United States Army.
Warner noted that it is important to remember the names of those who have served and to continue telling their stories.
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