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Memorial Day Celebration at the
Lincoln American Legion Post 263
[May 27, 2025]
May 26th was Memorial Day, a
day to remember our soldiers who have fallen while serving our
country. Lincoln’s American Legion Post 263 held a Memorial Day
service outside of the building. While it was a bit windy, the
temperature was perfect and the sun was shining. It would have been
difficult to pick a day with better weather.
Those in attendance were lined up
in folding chairs waiting for the service to start. Some were
standing near their vehicles or even sitting in folding chairs from
home. Much friendly conversation could be heard as the crowd
anxiously awaited the start of the service.
Just after 10:30 a.m., American
Legion Post Commander Gene Hickey got up before the crowd to speak.
He thanked everyone for coming and quickly introduced the guest
speaker, who was also giving the invocation, Ron Otto. Otto gave a
prayer over the service as well as those fallen soldiers who were
being remembered and honored.
After Otto’s invocation, Lesleigh
Bennett got up and sang the National Anthem. Her beautiful
performance helped get the crowd in a more patriotic mood. When
Bennett was finished, Otto returned to the podium and addressed the
crowd.
Otto spoke for about twenty
minutes. He spoke on the nature of Memorial Day and serving in the
military. He shared that he has never served, but wishes that he
had. He also shared that his son served in Afghanistan and is
currently in the Space Force. In addition, he spoke about other
family members who served.
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Toward the end of his speech, the
Honor Guard got up to give a 21-gun salute to further recognize and
honor our fallen service members. Three volleys of shots were fired
into the air, followed by the playing of Taps.
At the end of his speech, Otto gave
one final prayer before handing the microphone to Bennett once more.
Bennett sang again, this time performing God Bless America. After
Bennett’s second performance, Hickey thanked everyone for coming
again before inviting everyone inside for ham and beans and
cornbread. The food was provided free of charge.
Many people went inside to partake
in some lunch. Some got in line immediately, while others chose to
wait until the line got shorter. Either way, the line moved swiftly,
and everyone had their food in well under half an hour. People sat
with their friends and family, enjoying good food and company.
[Matt Boutcher]
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