Fallen veterans honored in Tigerton

American Legion Post 239 hosts Memorial Day ceremony
By: 
Luke Reimer
Reporter

Dozens of Tigerton residents joined members of American Legion Post 239 on Memorial Day to honor those veterans whose lives were lost.

The ceremony, which usually features speeches and live music, was without those features this year due to ongoing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. The post’s rifle squad fired a volley and a moment of silence was held to remember fallen veterans.

Legionnaires walked from the Legion Hall along Pine Street towards Tiger Creek to pay homage.

“We hold this celebration to honor those who have fought for our country at one time or another and to those that are still with us,” Post Commander Doug Clark said. “We are also paying respect to those that are no longer with us that served heroically, protecting our nation.”

Post 239 has held a memorial ceremony service every Memorial Day for decades, Clark said.

“We started holding these ceremonies sometime after World War II,” he said. “I hope that an event like this can help to bring the community together … Our nation today is divided, but veterans fought about preserving the nation even if it meant the end of their life.”

A number of people with ties with Tigerton and surrounding areas served in the U.S. military, Clark said.

“In our generation of Vietnam, I would probably say a ballpark guess of maybe 30 people served from Tigerton and surrounding areas,” said Clark.

Clark said he sees people within the community expressing more appreciation to those who have served.

“I think that the community does take an appreciation,” he said. “They come out to the cemeteries when we honor those who have fallen there — they do participate in events.”

Clark said he believes the community supports the military because people recognize the important role that they play in the nation.

“I think possibly that they realize what the men and women who have served in the past and those who currently serve have sacrificed,” he said. “They are putting the value of their country and the love of their country over that of life itself.”

The gathering culminated with Legion members and the community congregating in the American Legion Hall to enjoy a lunch of brats, burgers, hot dogs, potato chips and soda.

American Legion Post 239 also participates in other events, including a Fourth of July celebration and Lumberjack Days. Both events honor military members who are active and who have fallen in the line of duty.