Every Memorial Day, we dedicate our time to honoring those who have served their country and have passed away. Janesville and St. Clair’s Memorial Day Services on Monday, May 27, gave our local fallen veterans the honor they deserved.
Janesville
Pastor Kathy King of the Janesville United Methodist Church provided the invocation and benediction for the service. The JWP choir sang the national anthem, while the band
performed a Frank Ticheli arrangement of “Amazing Grace.” Both the band and choir collaborated to perform the “Sounds of America,” a medley of patriotic songs.
Other JWP students presented famous speeches made
throughout the country’s history dedicated to Memorial Day — known before WWII as
Decoration Day — and the freedom of our country. Allie Hanks recited the “Gettysburg Address,” while Eric Daschner read “General Logan’s Orders.” Ruby Gunsolus presented the poem “In Flanders Fields,” which was written during WWI.
The special guest speaker for the day was Sam Schruin, current social studies teacher and track coach at JWP who is currently serving with the Minnesota National Guard and did a short tour in Africa.
“Thank you all for gathering here today to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice,” Schruin began. “As we stand here on this Memorial Day, we are reminded of the profound importance of this day of remembrance.
“Memorial Day is not just another holiday. It is a solemn day of reflection, gratitude, and reverence. It is a time when we pause and honor the memory of those who have given their lives in service to our nation.”
He added that their service is a reminder that freedom is not free and that it comes at a great cost. “Sacrifice is something that every service member knows, past and present. The word
‘sacrifice’ carries profound weight. It signifies the willingness to give up one’s life for something greater than oneself. Our fallen heroes understood this.”
He also urged everyone to commit to supporting their families and loved ones. “The grief and loss they endure is a heavy burden, and our nation owes them a debt of gratitude. Let us ensure they receive the support and recognition they deserve today and always.
“Memorial Day is a reminder that the freedom we cherish is secured by the brave men and women who have given everything in their defense. It is our duty to ensure their
sacrifices are remembered and that their legacy lives on. God bless our fallen heroes, their families, and the United States of America.”
The Janesville Scout Troop 89, namely Cole Blomstrom, Austin Carda, and Blayne
Wandrie, demonstrated the proper way to fold the American flag, and Sherri Daschner explained what each fold represented. For example, the flag is folded 13 times to represent the original 13 colonies of the United States.
The program also dedicated some time to honor the deceased: Otto Jensen, Richard Carda, Mark Novak, John Schmidt, Raleigh Schroeder, Donald Blaisdell, and Thomas Kiner. Austin Carda tolled the chimes for each name and Devin Cowdin played “Taps” on soprano saxophone. A rifle salute performed by Janesville American Legion Post 281 members concluded the program.
St. Clair
Whether it be rain or shine, Taps resonated throughout several cemeteries as the St Clair Legion Post 475-G Color Guard presented arms and honored those lost in remembrance for Memorial Day. Post Commander Dave Ivers took command of the services for his fifth year as the day started with coffee and donuts while members of the Legion spoke about the
importance of the services and briefly reviewed the itinerary.
The initial service happened right outside the Legion on Main Street as Sergeant at Arms
instructed the Color Guard through the time-honored
tradition of presenting arms, aiming, and firing three shots in honor of those soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. Shortly after, bugler Jadynn Meerbeek played Taps and the echoes of the horn served as a moment of silence and
reverence. The Color Guard would service cemeteries from all over Medo Township until the early afternoon hours as a symbol of the utmost respect for those who lost their lives.
Despite some heavy rainfall,
many spectators paid their respects, placed flowers on tombstones, and saluted a fallen soldier, friend, loved one, or family member.
