Memorial Day Ceremony In La Grange

Thu, 05/29/2025 - 21:15

By News Staff

The members of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus stood guard during the outside portion of Monday’s event.

John Belvill spoke at the conclusion of Monday’s ceremony. He talked about the deadly cost of war, particularly from the Vietnam War (an estimated three million dead, he said). “We should be strong, but work for peace, not war,” he said. Photos by Jeff Wick

Gerardo Gomez played “America the Beautiful” and “Taps” on his trumpet Monday.

Father Steve Sauser, the priest at the Fayetteville and Ellinger Catholic churches, was the featured speaker at Monday’s ceremony, and talked about his service in the Marines in Japan prior to his becoming a priest.

Attendees stand at attention as a new flag is raised during Monday’s ceremony.

Amber Belville-Caroll said that as a grateful nation we must uphold the values our veterans fought for.

Lots of local veterans attended Monday’s ceremony, including a trio from Shelby American Legion Post 602, left, who oversaw the raising of a new flag at Koenig-Bellvill.

Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home in La Grange continued their longstanding tradition of hosting a Memorial Day ceremony Monday. Numerous local veterans groups played a role in the ceremony which started inside the funeral home and then proceeded outside. One of the most solemn portions of the event was the reading of a long list of local veterans who had died since last Memorial Day. Joseph Carroll rang a bell after each name was read by Gene Jaster.

After the ceremony a barbecue lunch was served to all in attendance.

More News

Special Section