Memorial Day 2024: Fayette County Remembers

Local veterans groups hosted the annual Schulenburg Memorial Day Service at Wolters Park on Monday, May 27.

Schulenburg American Legion McBride Post 143 Commander Bob Heinrich led the service. Also on hand were representatives from Veterans of Foreign War Post 5623, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 870, American Legion Auxiliary and Associates of the Vietnam Veterans of America.

Heinrich said the local groups put out more than 1,200 American flags on the graves of veterans at cemeteries in the Schulenburg area in the week before Memorial Day. He also recognized veterans in attendance by asking each of them to stand when he named eras of service.

Schulenburg Mayor Connie Koopmann delivered a speech about sacrifices made by service members who died fighting for freedom.

“The only thing I ask of all of you is to keep praying for our country,” Koopmann said.

American Legion Post 143 First Vice Commander Ed Selmer read the names of the 57 Schulenburg men who died in conflicts dating back to World War I.

Attendees also got to see a rare sight after the service. Frances Seymour and her daughter Stacey Krenek brought along a Medal of Honor posthumously awarded to Seymour’s brother, U.S.

Army Specialist 4th Class Carmel Vernon Harvey Jr., who gave his life at Binh Dinh Province, Vietnam, on June 21, 1967.

After the service, a long line of folks filed past their table to see the Nation’s highest military honor on display in a case, along with a photograph of Harvey and his name as it appears etched into the Vietnam War Monument in Washington, D.C.

Heinrich, who served 34 years in the U.S. Air Force, said he had never before seen a Medal of Honor in-person. Heinrich said the U.S. awards the medal for only the most extraordinary acts of heroism in combat, and most of the time it is awarded posthumously. Harvey’s story certainly fits that description.

According to his official Medal of Honor citation: “Sp4c. Harvey distinguished himself as a fire team leader with Company B, during combat operations. Ordered to secure a downed helicopter, his platoon established a defensive perimeter around the aircraft, but shortly thereafter a large enemy force attacked the position from three sides. Sp4c. Harvey and two members of his squad were in a position directly in the path of the enemy onslaught, and their location received the brunt of the fire from an enemy machinegun.

“In short order, both of his companions were wounded, but Sp4c. Harvey covered this loss by increasing his deliberate rifle fire at the foe. The enemy machinegun seemed to concentrate on him and the bullets struck the ground all around his position. One round hit and armed a grenade attached to his belt. Quickly, he tried to remove the grenade but was unsuccessful. Realizing the danger to his comrades if he remained and despite the hail of enemy fire, he jumped to his feet, shouted a challenge at the enemy, and raced toward the deadly machinegun.

“He nearly reached the enemy position when the grenade on his belt exploded, mortally wounding Sp4c. Harvey, and stunning the enemy machinegun crew. His final act caused a pause in the enemy fire, and the wounded men were moved from the danger area. Sp4c. Harvey’s dedication to duty, high sense of responsibility, and heroic actions inspired the others in his platoon to decisively beat back the enemy attack. His acts are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.”

Seymour said her brother did not have any connection to Schulenburg when he was alive. They grew up near Chicago, Illinois, she said. But her daughter Stacey is married to Schulenburg Police Officer Michael Krenek. Heinrich thanked them for sharing Harvey’s story with the community.

Local musical group D’Vine Testament performed patriotic and military songs throughout the ceremony. The ceremony concluded with a 21-gun salute and the playing of “Taps.”

KJT provided free bottled water at the event. And Fayette Savings Bank served free hot dogs for everyone in attendance.