Day of remembrance
Soldiers, Sioux City honor those lost serving their country
By Dolly A. Butz, Journal staff writer | Posted: Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Iowa Air National Guard 185th Refueling Wing Staff Sgt. Bettina Casares walks to a posting area as she and other 185th members display flags of various periods throughtout American history during a Memorial Day service Monday at Memorial Park Cemetery. (Staff photo by Jerry Mennenga)
SIOUX CITY -- More than 500 American flags lined the winding roads of Memorial Park Cemetery, blowing in the breeze Monday as strains of Taps echoed through the air.
Nearly 70 people stood in front of the cemetery's Tower of Legends with members of the American Legion and the 185th Air National Guard Refueling Wing, honoring the U.S. men and women who died while serving their country.
Memorial Day ceremonies were also held Monday in Sioux City at Floyd Cemetery and Calvary Cemetery.
"It is the day of remembrance for those who died in service to our nation," said Master Sgt. Dan Roupe of the 185th Air Refueling Wing. "It is more than a day off."
The U.S. federal holiday, formerly known as Decoration Day, was first enacted to honor Civil War veterans by placing flowers on their graves. It was expanded after WWI to include Americans who died fighting in any war.
Michael and Hilarie Dansie, who moved to Sioux City from Utah over a year ago, brought their 18-month-old daughter, Amelia, to the Veterans Program. Although the Dansies don't have a loved one buried in the cemetery, paying tribute to the sacrifices soldiers made throughout the history of the United States is important to the family.
"We just think it's important wherever we are," Hilarie Dansie said.
During the ceremony, the Color Guard of the 185th Air Refueling Wing presented a history of U.S. flags; Roupe and Cleo Pottorff, master of ceremonies, made remarks; and Rev. Paul Speidel of Westlawn Presbyterian Church delivered the invocation and benediction.
Cindy Miller, of Sioux City, said she came to pay tribute to the soldiers, something she said younger people often fail to do.
"With young people you don't see this much anymore, or they don't take the time to come," she said.
Callahan, 22 months, and Devaney Speidel, 4, sat in pink lawn chairs holding tiny American flags during the program.
"I think it's important to show your children pride in your country," said their mother Jodi Speidel, of Sioux City.
Flag Burning Ceremony
A flag burning ceremony will be held June 14 at 5 p.m. at the public park in Smithland, Iowa.
The park is on the east side of Smithland, just off State Highway 141.
Last year over 500 damaged flags were burned during the ceremony.
Nearly 70 people stood in front of the cemetery's Tower of Legends with members of the American Legion and the 185th Air National Guard Refueling Wing, honoring the U.S. men and women who died while serving their country.
Memorial Day ceremonies were also held Monday in Sioux City at Floyd Cemetery and Calvary Cemetery.
"It is the day of remembrance for those who died in service to our nation," said Master Sgt. Dan Roupe of the 185th Air Refueling Wing. "It is more than a day off."
The U.S. federal holiday, formerly known as Decoration Day, was first enacted to honor Civil War veterans by placing flowers on their graves. It was expanded after WWI to include Americans who died fighting in any war.
Michael and Hilarie Dansie, who moved to Sioux City from Utah over a year ago, brought their 18-month-old daughter, Amelia, to the Veterans Program. Although the Dansies don't have a loved one buried in the cemetery, paying tribute to the sacrifices soldiers made throughout the history of the United States is important to the family.
"We just think it's important wherever we are," Hilarie Dansie said.
During the ceremony, the Color Guard of the 185th Air Refueling Wing presented a history of U.S. flags; Roupe and Cleo Pottorff, master of ceremonies, made remarks; and Rev. Paul Speidel of Westlawn Presbyterian Church delivered the invocation and benediction.
Cindy Miller, of Sioux City, said she came to pay tribute to the soldiers, something she said younger people often fail to do.
"With young people you don't see this much anymore, or they don't take the time to come," she said.
Callahan, 22 months, and Devaney Speidel, 4, sat in pink lawn chairs holding tiny American flags during the program.
"I think it's important to show your children pride in your country," said their mother Jodi Speidel, of Sioux City.
Flag Burning Ceremony
A flag burning ceremony will be held June 14 at 5 p.m. at the public park in Smithland, Iowa.
The park is on the east side of Smithland, just off State Highway 141.
Last year over 500 damaged flags were burned during the ceremony.
Story Comments
Read More and Post Comments 1 comment(s)
Please note: The following are comments from readers. In no way do they represent the views of The Sioux City Journal or Lee Enterprises. We will not edit or alter your comments, but we do reserve the right to not post or to remove comments that violate our code of conduct. No comment may contain potentially libelous statements; obscene, explicit or racist language; personal attacks, insults or threats. Terms of Service
Marla Bianchini wrote on May 27, 2008 7:46 AM:
Flag "Retirement Ceremony", which is an honorable and patriotic way to retire flags. "