Memorial Day Honored In LG With Ceremony

Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day and first celebrated in 1868, was not officially declared a national holiday until 1971. At the Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home, a Memorial Day ceremony was held to recognize the service and dedication of Fayette County veterans.

Amber Belvill-Carroll of the Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home gave a welcome speech, then Rev. Steve Sauser of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church gave an invocation. Debbie Matula sang “America the Beautiful” with accompaniment by trumpet player Kathy Toensing.

Elaine Thomas, local speaker and author of several books, gave an address shortly after. In her most recent book, “Veterans’ Voices and Home Front Memories,” Thomas interviewed 63 veterans who all had ties to the Fayette County area. During her speech, she shared several of their stories.

“The veterans whom I interviewed for ‘Veterans’ Voices and Home Front Memories’ didn’t like to be labeled as heroes,” said Thomas. “…Rather than heroes, the World War II veterans who told me their stories said they’d just been lucky, and they still grieved for all the lives that ended during the war.”

Jose Estrada, a junior at La Grange High School, performed a medley of “God (My Country Tis of Thee)” on trumpet following Thomas’ speech. To honor all veterans who had passed in the previous year, John D. Marburger and Joan Miertschin read out names of veterans whose funeral services were performed by the Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home. David Glisson rang a bell after each name was read.

Ely Glisson read out the meaning of each of the 13 folds in the flag-folding ceremony as the Marine Corps League #1028 retired the colors outside of the funeral home and the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus stood guard. VFW Post #5254 then placed new colors on the flagpole.

Representatives from the American Legion posts of La Grange, Round Top and Shelby placed a memorial wreath at the base of the pole afterward to commemorate the holiday. Afterward, the Shelby American Legion post led the crowd in the Pledge ofAllegiance and a moment of silence to remember the veterans who had given their lives to protect America’s freedoms.

Debbie Matula and Kathy Toensing returned to the stand to perform “Taps.” Belvill-Carroll introduced Jesse Lednicky, Fayette County services officer, who spoke of all the services he provided in his position to veterans and their families, including pensions, property exemptions and memorial headstones.

“It is an honor to serve all veterans,” said Lednicky.”If you want to stop by just to say hi, it’s always nice speaking with you all.”

Rev. Sauser concluded the ceremony by leading everyone in a closing prayer.