Memorial Day: time to remember fallen heroes

    Cemeteries in Imperial and Wauneta, helped by recent rain and the efforts of their caretakers, were in top shape for Memorial Day as they hosted programs honoring the country’s fallen heroes.
    Coordinated by VFW Post 4688 and auxiliary, Mt. Hope Cemetery was the site for Imperial’s program Monday morning.
    Riverside Cemetery, outside of Wauneta, hosted Wauneta’s service.
    Pastor Brian Boisselle of Crossroads Wesleyan Church in Imperial gave the address and opening blessing at Mt. Hope Cemetery.
    He likened the sacrifice given by veterans to that of the life and death of Jesus Christ.
    “They exemplified the very essence of Christ’s teachings—laying down their lives for the sake of others, just as Jesus did for us on the cross,” Boisselle said.
    “Just as Jesus conquered death and rose again, we believe that our fallen heroes now rest in the arms of God, experiencing the fullness of His glory,” he said.
    He asked the crowd to rededicate themselves to the values and principles the country’s fallen heroes held dear.
    “May we always be grateful for their sacrifices, holding them close in our thoughts and prayers,” he said.
    Post officers and auxiliary members laid flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. That was followed by a gun salute and the playing of “Taps” by Chase County Schools senor Tristen Stumpff.
    Wauneta’s program opened with the National Anthem performed by Monte Nordhausen, Dawn Doetker and McKenna Doetker, while Ed Arenz and Larry Zigler raised the Stars and Stripes.
    Carol Thompson, Palisade VFW Post 7028 auxiliary president, spoke to the crowd before Hank Wicke laid a wreath on the cemetery’s memorial.
    Nordhausen and Dawn Doetker asked the crowd to join them in singing “God Bless America” to close the program.