Wakefield honors Memorial Day at Lakeside Cemetery

By PAMELA JANSSON

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Wakefield - A Memorial Day service in Wakefield drew a crowd of people to Lakeside Cemetery.

The service began with a presentation of colors by a combined Honor Guard from VFW Post 9084 and American Legion Post 11, both in Wakefield.

VFW Commander and Emcee Ryan Geesey led the Pledge of Allegiance, and American Legion Chaplain Michael Salli provided the invocation.

Commander Mike Franklin, U.S. Coast Guard (ret.), told his audience that many people equate Memorial Day weekend with the start of summer, the start of grilling season, or even a "time to get a great price on a recliner."

As the main speaker, Franklin - who spent 27 years in the service, from the Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast, as well as in Alaska, until he retired in 2022 - said that Memorial Day means so much more.

He added that it honors ordinary folks like us who nevertheless accomplished "extraordinary" results.

Franklin said that, in honoring the memory of those soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our freedom, we should remember that, in essence, "every day is Memorial Day."

He also said to any young people present, "You represent the next generation of our country. I challenge you to keep it strong and safe."

He ended his speech by telling everyone, "God bless. Semper fi."

As a tribute to fallen soldiers, VFW Auxiliary President Carole Lillar and American Legion Auxiliary President Melissa Umland presented a wreath at the dais.

Under the direction of Isaac Boehnlein, the Wakefield-Marenisco junior-senior high band played "The Star-Spangled Banner," as well as "The Armed Forces Medley."

VFW Chaplain Richard Bolen offered the benediction, offering thanks for "bringing us together with knowledge of the debt we owe."

American Legion Commander Russ Korpi Jr. provided the Roll Call of the Dead, adding that the last local soldiers lost were in the Vietnam War.

Honor Squad members then fired three volleys, after which band members Owen Miljevich and Eli Hewitt played "Taps."

After the ceremony, a luncheon took place at the Wakefield American Legion.