Legion Post 280 Honor Guard.

Coleman Legion Hosts Memorial Day Program

Coleman—The Kalbes-Seewald American Legion Post 280 of coleman hosted its annual Memorial Day program, “Freedom is not Free” on Monday, May 28 at the Coleman High School Gym.

Music was provided by the Coleman High School Band under the direction of Jim Heyroth. The selection “Grand Old Flag” opened the program and followed by a drum cadence for the Presentation of Colors. Student, Mollie Graetz, sang the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by 2012 Badger Stater, Kara Payette.

Legion Chaplain Jake Rogge led the opening prayer and on behalf of the Post, Commander Kenneth Stodola welcomed the crowd. The ceremony was dedicated to three individuals who passed away during the year. Two were fellow comrades, Richard Loeffler and Richard List, both very active in the American Legion and VFW. The third was Cleo (Nowak) Rost, who became a Gold Star Mother when her son, Mike Nowak, was killed in action on May 28, 1968 while serving in Vietnam with the Marines. The day marked the 44th anniversary of his death.

Stodola also reminded the assembly the reasons for gathering were “to pay respect to those veterans who fought and died both on the battlefield and later” and “to reflect on the sacrifices they made so we may enjoy the freedoms that so many of us take for granted.”

Stodola urged the people to “ensure that proper respect is shown to those who have given all they could possibly give in the service to this incredible country”.

The first presentation was Lucas Markiewicz, who narrated the patriotic lyrics of “Ragged Old Flag” by Johnny Cash, as instrumental background music was provided by Megan Graetz and Nathan Swenty.

Commander Stodola awarded three certificates, each for 50 years of service to the Legion or Auxiliary. They were Legionnaire Louis Skarda and Auxiliary members Olga Klukas and Evelyn Loeffler. A special recognition certificate was also awarded to Loeffler, for all her years of dedication. She was unable to attend and her grandson, Philip Risner accepted the awards for her.

Guest speaker was Command Chief Master Sergeant Marty Klukas, who served for 28 years with the US Air Force and is currently Command Senior Enlisted Leader of the United States Transportation Command, headquartered at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. Proud to come back to his hometown, he talked about how older veterans and his mother, Olga inspired him in his life. Quoting British philosopher, political economist and civil servant John Stuart Mill, he repeated, “War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse”. He said nobody wants war and that Memorial Day should be a celebration of our freedom, which shouldn’t be taken for granted.

The “Salute to the Armed Forces,” a medley that includes the theme songs for all branches of service was sung by the Coleman High School choir under the direction of Kathleen Bader. Veterans were asked to stand up and be recognized when their branch song was played and displayed on the video screens by Pastor Scott Barker. The sobering video, “If I Die Before you Wake” was also included.

A very serious point in the program was the Memorial to Veterans Killed in Action, a time to honor those veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives during the various wars. As Chaplain Rogge read the names and available information, Eleanor Gusick provided background music and flowers were placed at the cross in a remembrance display, followed by a salute.

The program continued with a poem read by Kara Payette titled, “The Fallen Soldier”, the rifle salute to Departed Comrades and the playing of Taps. A moment of silence followed, for those “lost in defense of our freedom.”

Commander Stodola closed the program and offered ongoing support and prayers for those still serving to protect our freedom. The Band played “This Land is Your Land” and the colors were retired with a drum cadence.

Veterans remained standing in the front of the room, so that all had the opportunity to shake their hand and thank and recognize them for their service.

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