This past Memorial Day, services were held in Wakonda and the surrounding area. The weather was very pleasant and couldn’t have been more agreeable for outdoor ceremonies. As in past years, the American Legion Gingrich-Dixon Post 13 Legionnaires started their morning at St. Columbkill, known as North Catholic Cemetery at 8:30 am to honor our departed comrades that have served in the Armed Forces. Post Chaplain Don Lyso began each service with reading of the names of veterans laid to rest in each cemetery. He then said a brief prayer followed with a 21-gun salute by the Firing Squad. A 21-gun salute is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a deceased veteran.
From North Catholic, we proceeded to Pleasant Valley, Bethel Baptist, Lodi Lutheran (South Lodi), St. Patrick’s (South Catholic) and Union Cemeteries. Heading back to Wakonda we stopped at the Wakonda Heritage Manor to honor our local veterans and lastly, a stop at the Veterans Memorial. Next year, we plan on adding a stop at old Lodi Cemetery (North Lodi) as well, which is six miles east and 2 ½ miles south of Wakonda. Shortly after 11:00 am the program commenced at the Legion Hall.
This year we were very fortunate to have Lieutenant Colonel Tom Martin as our guest speaker. LTC Martin, who hails from Burke, SD, is on active duty with over 21 years of service with the U.S. Army. He is currently a Professor of Military Science at the University of South Dakota’s ROTC program. Some of his deployments have included Bosnia, Iraq and Dominican Republic for disaster relief.
Deb Rohr and Megan Book provided a musical selection for our entertainment. Following the program, lunch was provided by the American Legion Auxiliary. Auxiliary Treasurer and Membership Chairman Donna Henriksen estimated that 142 meals were served this year which included 35 veterans. She stated that it was a very successful turnout.
This year’s Legion detail consisted of 14 members—Commander Michael Hessman, Chaplain Don Lyso, Sergeant at Arms Leo Bohlmann, Clark Christensen and Kennard Petersen made up the Color Guard, the Firing Squad consisted of Darrell Vognild, Tom Larsen, Marlin Reynolds, Rich Andresen, Jim Williams, John Haver, Paul Jensen, Kenny Peterson and Jim Logue while Irene-Wakonda High School sophomore, Taylor Lyso performed Taps at each location.
As Commander, I’d like to thank everyone that attended the Legion program and cemetery services as well as those who assisted with the preparation and setup. Community support continues to make this annual program a great success. Please remember that American Flags are to be lowered to half-staff from 8am to noon each Memorial Day.
