By P.J. GLISSON
Marenisco — A Memorial Day service drew a long string of folks along the stone wall surrounding the Marenisco Township Cemetery.
Amidst mild temperatures, American Legion Post 523 Commander John Zorich and Chaplain Bruce Mahler shared the presentation of the service.
Mahler said that members of the U.S. Armed Services have come from corners rich and poor, black and white, male and female, and from every ethnicity.
“Their one common characteristic is that they all took an oath to die for America,” he said.
Mahler, a retired captain of the U.S. Air Force, claimed that we can honor fallen heroes by supporting those persons who are current service members.
“It’s up to use to honor them each in our own way by making our country a better place,” he noted.
Mahler also read a list of names of Marenisco residents who have served in the Armed Forces, including some now deceased. He and Zorich agreed that the reading of the names is the most important part of the ceremony.
The Wakefield-Marenisco Junior/Senior Band provided patriotic music with the guidance of music teacher Isaac Boehnlein. Band member Owen Miljevich also played “Taps,” with Boehlein echoing him with his own horn.
At the end of the ceremony, members of the Honor Guard provided a 3-volley salute.
After the service, the Marenisco Fundraising Club provided lunch in the township hall.