Malta's American Legion Auxiliary Club observes Memorial Day

The flags whipped gently in the wind, as a quiet and reverent crowd gathered at the Veterans Memorial Park on Front Street. It was Monday, May 30th, Memorial Day 2022. Today they came to pay tribute, honor and respect to the Veterans across the nation that gave their lives in the line of service for our country or had passed. This was the day set aside to recocognize our finest. American Legion 57 Commander Vince Schmoeckel served as MC for the event and introduced Chaplain Rick Mikkelson.

“Their mission was nobel; evacuate civilians yearning to escape a brutal regime. The 13 U.S. servicemembers who died during a terrorist bombing is Afghanistan last August will not be the last American heroes to make a sacrifice, but they represent the best of a generation” read guest speaker Ken Wiederrick, also of the American Legion.

He shared about the lives of those who lost their lives in the attack. Sharing how they ranged in age from 20 to 31. They were serving and giving their all ~ one had only been in the Afghaganistan conflict for over a week. More than one million servicemembers have made the Supreme Sacrifice serving for the red, white and blue since the American Revolution til the Global War on terrorism. They died so that we can continue to cherish the things they loved - God, country and family.

“...we gather here to honor the memory of our fallen soldiers who have given everything for their country” Wiederrick continued. He spoke of the four pillars being: providing a strong national defense; for their fellow comrades; for the American core values of God and country-family patriotism; and our freedom to worship as we please. And they do it for their children so that they can grow up in an America that is strong and free.

“It is through this last pillar ~ children~that we must continue to honor the spirit of these heros. We must share the legacies and tell the stories of those who are no longer here.” With more than 7,000 giving their lives in the Global War on Terrorism, the loss is felt by Gold Star families forever. Wiederrick stated the reason we wear the Poppy is that it was a symbol that sprouted on a Belgian battlefield.

Memorial Day...it is about gratitude and remembrance, honoring our men and women who made it possible to gather on a peaceful spring day. They gathered to remember those who made the way of life as we know it possible, truly they are the guardians of our freedom.

The Color Guard under the Command of Service Officer Jay Southwick paid tribute with the gun salute consisting of servicemen Kevin Stevens, Bob Kapp, David Wilkes, John Barnard and Jim Layton. A stillness filled the air and the flags quieted just as Jerry Mahan provided taps on the bugle.

Following closing remarks by Schmoeckel, the crowd dispersed to attend a BBQ hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary at the VFW Club.