Clear blue skies and warm temperatures set the stage for Galva’s annual Memorial Day observance. A large crowd gathered, encircled by over 200 flags that flew in the gentle breeze.
Retired Master Sergeant Clifford Wright welcomed the audience, noting how important it is for everyone to remember our fallen soldiers and how they gave their lives to preserve the freedoms we have today.
Wright introduced Army Specialist 4, John Holevoet, who delivered the opening prayer. He was followed by Galva Mayor Rich Volkert, who led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Little Miss Poppy, Bryley Glissan, placed a wreath on the grave of Petty Officer, third class Dale Hamlin, a Galva native who was killed at Pearl Harbor, while serving as a Gunner’s Mate on the USS Oklahoma.
Galva High School graduate Thomas (T.J) Conner delivered the address. Thomas was recently made a Second Lieutenant in the US Army and is a Field Artillery Officer. A graduate of Western Illinois University’s Law Enforcement program, he is the son of Joe and Vicki Conner.
Conner spoke on the history of Memorial Day, which was first known as Decoration Day. It was made a federal holiday in 1971, with a three day weekend to honor America’s fallen soldiers. He added that for many years, farmers took a break from their hay fields to attend services, able to rest and appreciate their freedoms.
“It’s easy to forget our fallen soldiers,” the young Lieutenant said, “we must remember our brothers and sisters who lost their lives protecting this country.” He spoke about the families of our service men and women who never came home. “It’s a heavy burden of grief, a price paid every day by their loved ones.
“To honor this debt, we all must be good citizens,” he said. “We must carry the magnitude of their sacrifice with every breath we take.”
Conner also stressed the importance of praying for our military members in current conflicts, so that they come home safely.
Olaf Collinson of Galva raised his bugle and performed the familiar notes of TAPS. Following that, the Galva Legion Fusiliers performed their military honors with precision gunfire.
Sergeant Wright thanked the audience and the participants, adding, “Today, we honor those who gave their lives so we may be free to live our lives as we choose. We must never forget them.”
Holevoet provided the benediction, officially closing the observance.
Following the Galva cemetery program, dignitaries and the Fusiliers went on to provide observances at Galva’s Catholic Cemetery and the cemetery in LaFayette.
