The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Laura Wilhite, The Quill
La Harpe held their annual Memorial Day Service on May 26th at 10:00 AM at the City Park. The American Legion Post #301 presented the colors.
Once the flags were in place Krista Jack sang the National Anthem with her daughters Amanda, Emma and Jessie. They did a wonderful job.
Rodney Burr who is a Post 301 Chaplain opened the service with prayer. McKinley Gebhardt led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Harry Fark recognized Gold Star and Blue Star Mothers and families. A Gold Star Mother is a mother that has lost a child in the military. A Blue Star Mother has a child who is currently serving in the military or has been honorably discharged.
Todd Stevens sang the song, “Proud to be an American,” which is always a great reminder of what past and current military service members have done to ensure our freedom.
Donna James and Jan Gutting presented the Quilts of Valor. Fabric was donated by the late Sharon Huff’s family. Sharon loved quilting and her family knew that she would have wanted to donate the fabric to the Quilts of Valor. Dan Gillett shared history on World War II heroes that worked along main street.
He also shared stories that will be passed on for generations. Most notably he shared about his history teacher standing right by the photographer as the most famous World War II photo was being taken.
His history teacher did not have this realization until he was teaching his students about World War II years later and saw that picture in the history book. Dan had World War II coats, pictures and other memorabilia displayed on a table that was from the museum.
A local World War II veteran donated a canteen to the museum that had belonged to a Vietnamese soldier that had died in action.
Lee Unger closed the service with prayer.
After the colors were retired the American Legion Post #301 honored our fallen heroes with a 21 gun salute and playing of Taps.