Memorial Day honored in Emden and Hartsburg

[May 31, 2022]   One of the many places in Logan County observing Memorial Day was at the Bethel Church in Emden. The event as a whole was put on by the American Legion post #506, led by Commander Mike Kavanaugh and Auxiliary President Betty Gail Wagner.

Joe Schaler provided the message. Schaler spoke mostly of the loss of so many American soldiers since World War I. He cited statistics regarding the Purple Heart, an award for those who are wounded or killed in military action.

Since the Purple Heart creation, the award has been given more than two million times, including more than four hundred and fifty thousand posthumous awards. Schaler also said that as time goes on, he feels that every day feels like Memorial Day, and he takes the time to remember those we have lost.

Schaler also added that he was happy to see people in attendance. Due to Covid restrictions in the last few years; last year there was no observation in the church. In 2020, Schaler noted that only he and two other people were able to attend. He added that even in 2021, they still observed the holiday, and repeated that it was good to see people together again.

In addition to Schaler’s brief speech, members of the Legion fired a salute, and a wreath was placed in the church cemetery to honor the fallen. Those in attendance also sang patriotic songs, including “America the Beautiful,” “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” and “God Bless America.”

Another observance was held at the Hartsburg Union Cemetery. In a very brief message, Rev. J. Cravens spoke on the recent tragedy in Texas, where a school shooter killed 21 people. Cravens felt that it was appropriate to remember not only the lives of those lost in wartime, but those lives lost here at home as well. Cravens’ brief speech was followed by a salute fired by the American Legion Color Guard from Lincoln.

[Derek Hurley]