by Lisa Schauer
Post commander Cody Covey of the Paw Paw American Legion Post 128 welcomed attendees to a memorial service held at the Veterans Monument on Saturday morning, May 25.
A somber mood hung over the crowd, gathered to remember and pay tribute to American soldiers who gave their lives in the line of duty to their country.
Covey introduced the guest speaker, Retired Army Reserve Colonel Sam Wagner, grand marshal of the 64th annual William H. Norton Memorial Day parade, stepping off later that day.
Wagner spoke candidly about the nine veterans he knew personally, and fought alongside, who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
In his address, Wagner touched on themes of suicide, service, and sacrifice. He emphasized mental health is a big issue among military members.
Evoking a quote attributed to the late comedian Robin Williams, he stated, “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.”
Wagner praised the “long line of proud military warriors in Paw Paw and West Virginia,” calling out several by name who served in Vietnam.
Finally, speaking of sacrifice, Wagner reminded attendees Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day, and was established after the Civil War.
He recognized the Memorial Day holiday has become the unofficial start of summer, noting we Americans are free to pursue it however we wish, with picnics, parades, or memorials.
Paraphrasing the immortal words of President Abraham Lincoln, Wagner stated,” …from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion – that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain.”
Members of the Paw Paw Community Choir sang the National Anthem while a color guard stood at attention. Legion members played bugle, laid a wreath, and gave a gun salute.
A flag folding ceremony with 13 folds was performed by members of the Paw Paw American Legion Post 128, who placed the folded flag atop a small table set for American prisoners of war and missing in action, signifying they are not forgotten, nor did they die in vain.
