Wakefield VFW, Legion join forces on Memorial Day

By P.J. GLISSON

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Wakefield - A Memorial Day service at Lakeside Cemetery in Wakefield began with a parade of colors by the combined Honor Guard of American Legion Post 11 and VFW Post 9084.

VFW Commander Chad Carlson introduced the main participants and led the "Pledge of Allegiance," and the Wakefield-Marenisco junior-senior high school band played the national anthem.

Carlson and Legion Commander Russ Korpi Jr. were the Officers of the Day.

Legion Chaplain Mike Salli provided the invocation, after which Brad Wakefield of the VFW gave the main address.

"Young men and women have been called to service since our country was created," said Wakefield. "I thank God that men and women have been willing to protect our way of life, and I am proud to be one of them."

Moreover, said Wakefield, Americans have gathered for Memorial Day since the Civil War.

Wakefield also spoke of the tradition of wearing poppies to honor those lost in war, and he recited the poem "In Flanders Fields," by John McCrae.

He also read John 15:13 from the Bible: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

As his voice broke, he concluded, "We shall not forget them for their sacrifice."

After Wakefield's address, Carlson thanked Wakefield for his service to America and to the VFW.

Legion Auxiliary President Claire Jewess and VFW President Carole Lillar then presented a wreath in honor of lost veterans. Auxiliary members also had decorated cemetery gravestones with flowers.

Korpi read a list of deceased veterans, and VFW Chaplain Dick Bolen offered a benediction.

The combined Honor Guard of the Legion and the VFW provided a "Salute to the Dead," after which band member Catherine Baker played "Taps."