A #039;Day#039; to remember

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, May 28, 2002

LEROY -- According to Stan Bergan, the Memorial Day weekend is all about freedom.

"I would say that's the message of Memorial Day," said Bergan. "These veterans we are honoring, these service men and women died to protect our freedom and we have to support them in this way."

Bergan, a Colonel in the U.S. Army National guard, and his son, Brad, a PFC, participated in LeRoy American Legion Post No. 161's tribute to America's fallen veterans Monday.

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Like so many American Legion posts and Veterans of Foreign Wars units everywhere, they conducted flag raisings and rendered 21 gun salutes over the graves of their comrades.

They will become commonplace throughout the summer ahead, marching in parades and conducting other drills designed to stir the passions of patriotism.

The LeRoy veterans visited Bethany Cemetery first Monday morning before going to the three cemeteries at the west edge of the community: LeRoy Cemetery, the Lutheran cemetery and the Roman Catholic Church cemetery.

Wayne Hammon, commander of the post, said the tributes are needed "now more than ever." He said, "We are losing our World War II veterans at the rate of 100 or more a day."

Brad Bergan, who graduates LeRoy-Ostrander High School a year ago, when his father was serving a peace-keeping mission in Croatia said his generation needs to be reminded of the importance of Memorial Day. "I think my generation needs more awareness about the importance of patriotism," he said.

Staff Sgt. James Loven was one of seven Mower County residents called up to duty in Operation Desert Storm.

The decorated veteran

said, "They definitely need to see more flags flying, more parades and more tributes for veterans. This is only the beginning."

Flag Day, June 14, is only 18 days away.

Lee Bonorden can be reached at 434-2232 or by e-mail at lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com