‘Day of Remembrance’ Observed in Schulenburg

Schulenburg area veterans held their annual Memorial Day Service in Wolters Park Monday morning, May 29.

Bob Heinrich, Commander of American Legion Mc-Bride Post 143, led the service.

“Memorial Day throughout the Nation is a day of remembrance, reflection and appreciation to those who served our country – those who are no longer among us,” Heinrich said. “It is not a day of celebration, as many would believe. It is a day to honor our men and women who were in our military service and have passed on.”

Heinrich reported that his post placed more than 1,250 flags on the graves of local deceased veterans. He recognized each veteran in attendance by asking them to stand when he read the name of the wars in which they served. The last two to stand were James and Ted Stanzel, who both served in World War II.

D’Vine Testament provided music for the ceremony. Fayette County Judge Dan Mueller delivered a speech about the origins of Memorial Day.

“As we gather today to recognize those who died in defense of this country, I also want to pay tribute to those who fought for this country and lived – lived through the tragedies of war,” Mueller said. “... It is in the sacrifice of the American fighting man, those who defend this nation, those who made it home, and those who did not – it is in them that we see the enduring spirit of America.”

The ceremony concluded with McBride Post Vice Commander Ed Semler reading the names of the 57 Schulenburgarea men who died in service to the Nation, followed by a 21-gun salute.