‘One team, one fight’ – Austin remembers fallen soldiers
Published 7:42 am Tuesday, May 29, 2018
- The American Legion Post No. 91 Honor Guard stands at attention during the playing of Taps during the Memorial Day program at Oakwood Cemetery in 2018. Herald file photo
Before families and loved ones took to their day of picnics and barbecues, many took time on Memorial Day to remember and reflect on the real reason they’re enjoying a day off.
Around 300 people gathered in Oakwood Cemetery on Monday morning, honoring the fallen soldiers who died protecting and preserving the freedoms Americans can experience today.
While the crowd gathered in the hallowed grounds, the Austin High School band played renditions of the national anthem and “America the Beautiful.” Wreaths were dedicated by public officials, leaders of various military and veteran organizations.
Rollie Hanson stands at attention during the playing of the national anthem.
VFW Post 1216 Adjutant Jim Hecimovich, son of the late Norm Hecimovich, led the prayers that began the Memorial Day ceremony and implored the public to look to unifying the country, as opposed to “seeking division.”
“It can be a painful day for some of us,” Hecimovich said to the crowds. “I’m disappointed in our country’s polarization. ..we gotta look at ourselves and work together as Americans. …one team, one fight. God bless all of you.”
Among those in the crowds was Mayor Tom Stiehm, who also served in the Marine Corps from 1970 to 1973. He shared that the day’s event of honoring their deceased veterans and fallen soldiers was “special.”
Bianca Mattson bows her head during the benediction.
Stiehm also noted that not many veterans from World War II or even from the Vietnam were still alive, noting the somber message that Memorial Day was really about: the ultimate sacrifice.
“It’s nice to set aside a day to honor those who gave us the freedom we enjoy today,” he said, adding that the public should remember this “every day.”
Spam Post 570, an all women’s veterans organization, also spent the morning reflecting on the significance of Memorial Day, which they felt the morning’s ceremony had done just that. Post Commander Mary Hanson stated that Austin residents should enjoy the day with their loved ones, but also to honor and remember the reasons why they’re able to.
“The most important thing about today, is honoring the fallen who have gone before us,” Hanson “They paid the ultimate sacrifice so we can be free. We really need to focus on that.”
Scott Weichman, representing VFW Post 1216 dedicates the VFW wreath during the wreath dedication at the Memorial Day program at Oakwood Cemetery.
