Mount Pulaski remembers soldiers who gave in combat and non-combat

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[May 26, 2015]  MOUNT PULASKI - It was a beautiful sunny and windy Memorial Day. At the Mount Pulaski Cemetery Monday morning crowds gathered to pay their respects and also commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Veterans Memorial monument that sits atop the hill of the cemetery.

The services at the Mount Pulaski Cemetery included the laying of wreaths around the monument as well as the "What Memorial Day Means to Me" speeches by contest winners Emma Buenrostro and Kamryn Aylesworth.

Retired Master Sergeant of the United States Air Force, Chuck McCue, was the keynote speaker. He mentioned how he walked the cemetery in search of all veterans and put together a list of wars in which those had served and given their lives. He mentioned how he had even found a grave belonging to a soldier from the Spanish American War.

McCue noted how every little flag throughout the cemetery represented sacrifice. "There is something about the military that makes you grow up faster," he said.

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"Military service comes with great rewards and a series of risks," he observed as he reminded us of those killed not just in combat, he also recounted stories of servicemen and women killed in non-combat missions. For example, he spoke of the six Marines killed in the helicopter crash over Nepal recently who were delivering supplies to the earthquake-stricken country. "These Marines were trained warriors but they lost their lives in a noble endeavor to save lives, not to take lives," he said, as he then began to name those killed and ended with a "Rest in Peace."

Finally he told the crowd to "please keep these families in your thoughts as they gather on this Memorial Day." His speech served as a solemn reminder of those who not only died preserving our freedom, but also died while helping others. Thanks to all the veterans on this Memorial Day.

[Teena Lowery]

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