Brownstown VFW holds Memorial Day services

By Editor | May 31, 2012 |

By Panzi Blackwell
The numerous American flags at the Brownstown Memorial Wall seemed to be waving victoriously against the white clouds and blue sky as the people from Brownstown, Sefton and surrounding towns gathered to pay homage to the fallen heroes and the ones still protecting our country.

The 17th annual Memorial Day service held by Brownstown VFW Post 9770 was well attended and appreciated by those gathered to honor the military.
The master of ceremonies, the Rev. Doug Wodtka, gave the welcome, voiced his appreciation for America, and referred to the Book of John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life…”, as he praised the military services and those who serve to protect the United States.
The Post 9770 honor guard presented the colors, followed by the invocation by Wodtka, and the pledge of allegiance, led by Cub Scout Troop 118.
The Community Choir sang rousing renditions of the anthems of the five branches of the armed forces and followed with patriotic songs. The Community Band then played several selections.
Dan Frutiger delivered the commander’s address, followed by the reading of deceased members of Post 9770, by Donnie Smail. He gave recognition to World War II veteran John Sefton, who died this year, with one knell of the bell, the placement of a flower on the Memorial Wall, and a salute.
The winner of the Patriot’s Pen contest, Haley Sarchet, read her essay, “Forever Strong.”
“Patriotism is something you can always count on,” she said. “It is not like a pair of shoes. Patriotism’s soles never wear out. Patriotism has shoes that will last a lifetime.
“The definition of patriotism is 'devoted love, support, and defense for one’s country.' Soldiers of past wars are imprinted with the memories of fighting for what is rightfully ours.”
The Voice of Democracy Post winner, Ashley Lakin, delivered her winning essay, “Is There Pride in Serving the Military?,” following with her thought, "How can there not be pride in the brave soldiers that are fighting, have fought, or are currently training to protect our country?
“From hurricanes, to fires and floods, or attacks on our country, the military is there. When there is a problem, the military is the first to answer the call, and the last to remain.”
The Memorial Day address was delivered by Andy Nohren, on behalf of the Central Illinois Honor Flight.
“It is an organization that charters flights for our World War II veterans so that they can go see their memorial. In this organization, I see the heart and soul of what it means to serve and to honor our veterans who have given so much and still have so much that they can offer us.”
After a visit to Washington, D.C., as part of an Honor Flight, he referred to the monument as, “A jewel of our nation with its historic monuments and its majestic memorials, it is awe-inspiring for anyone who has ever traveled there.
“Our American way of life is only made possible through our service men and women, from the very first Continental Minutemen to shake a fist at King George in the declaration that all men are created equal … to FDR’s declaration that everyone in the world should have freedom of speech and expression, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.”
He finished with a quote he saw at a memorial. “And I will never forget it; it says simply what Memorial Day stands for in one sentence – 'We gave our todays for their tomorrows.' What a country we live in, where uncommon valor is a common virtue in our deepest time of need,” he said.
The program proceeded with the benediction by Wodtka, the retiring of the colors and firing of volleys, and closed with “Taps,” played by Pierce Strobel.