St. James Lutheran School seventh graders Ian Raddant and Preston Braun captured the attention of hundreds of local residents who gathered at Woodlawn Cemetery for Shawano’s annual Memorial Day ceremony May 25.
The students spoke of the history and the importance of the day, a solemn occasion that is more than the unofficial start of summer.
“We will never forget them,” they said in unison at the conclusion of their speech, titled “We Remember: A Memorial Day Salute.” “God bless our fallen heroes. God bless our military families, and God bless the United States of America.”
Throughout their speech, they intertwined well-known quotes from Gen. George S. Patton and presidents Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan, all the while talking of the ultimate sacrifice given by many, including some barely out of high school.
The Rev. Andrew Zobel, pastor at St. James Lutheran Church, offered the invocation and benediction for the ceremony that followed the traditional parade from Huckleberry Harbor along East Fifth Street to the cemetery.
He said St. James seeks to educate, equip and serve those at the church and school.
“It is that last one — serve — as to why we’re all here today,” he said. “There is great service to be had in each of our daily lives, especially as we remember those who have served in the greatest fashion, who have serve their neighbor and served their country.”
Scott Fuqua, first vice commander of American Legion Post 117, led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance, with the national anthem and other songs performed by Rebecca Van Buren.
Shawano school bands provided a musical presentation.
Zachary Zuehsdorf, Shawano County’s new veterans service officer, placed the memorial wreath. Members of AMVETS Post 10 conducted a rifle volley, and Brent Buettner and company played taps.
Dennis Bohm served as the master of ceremonies.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
Rebecca Van Buren sang the national anthem and other songs during Shawano’s annual Memorial Day ceremony at Woodlawn Cemetery. (Kevin Passon | NEW Media)
St. James Lutheran School seventh graders Ian Raddant and Preston Braun served as the main speakers at Woodlawn Cemetery for Shawano’s annual Memorial Day ceremony May 25. They spoke of the history and the importance of the solemn day. (Kevin Passon | NEW Media)
Zachary Zuehsdorf, Shawano County’s new veterans service officer, right, placed the memorial wreath during the May 25 Memorial Day ceremony at Woodlawn Cemetery. Also saluting is Dennis Bohm, master of ceremonies. (Kevin Passon | NEW Media)
Zachary Zuehsdorf, Shawano County’s new veterans service officer, salutes the during the signing of the national anthem at the start of the Memorial Day ceremony in Shawano. Later in the ceremony, he would lay the memorial wreath. (Kevin Passon | NEW Media)
Volunteers placed flags at the graves of all veterans at Woodlawn Cemetery prior to the Memorial Day ceremony. Among those honored was William Meyer. (Kevin Passon | NEW Media)
