Morton's Memorial Day

Memorial Day in Morton Illinois started with a terrific breakfast put on by members of Post 318 of The American Legion. The breakfast was well attended and veterans ate free in recognition of their sacrifice to our country.

At exactly 11:00am the ceremony began with a resounding rendition of The National Anthem by Heather Berger head of the vocal department at Morton High School. Heather gave the audience a real treat by singing not just the traditional verse we all know, but all FOUR verses of Francis Scott Key's song describing the defense of Fort McHenry in 1814.

The program continued with participation from Citizenship award recipient Jake Marks who led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Kathy Reynolds sang freedom's song and medley of songs that included God Bless America.

The grand-daughter of Post 318 member, Jack Hirstien, Bretta read in Flander's Field.
Bretta will be entering the United States Air Force next month.

We were pleased that Of the four scholarships the American Family gave out this year, three of the recipients were able to participate in the Memorial Day Program. Megan Eastman read the Gettysburg Address. Ryan Wezieck explained the Battlefield Cross. Caitlyn Vandermeer explained the POW/MIA Table. Caitlyn is a Private First Class in the Illinois Army National Guard with one year time in service. It should be noted that she just graduated high school a couple of weeks ago.

The widow and Children of SSGT Paul Gene Smith were honored by the presentation of a Gold Star Banner in recognition of their loss to the war in Afghanistan. Incoming Post 318 Commander Bob Wertz made the presentation.

Pastor Jeff Johnston gave the keynote address.

Incoming Commander Wertz also read the list of War dead from Morton who died in the Civil War or World War I. Morton Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander Jerry Davis read the list of World War II, Korea and Vietnam War dead from Morton.

American Legion Post 318 Adjutant and host for today's program, Larry Stimeling, read the list of American Legion post 318 members who have died in the past year.

Stimeling then announced that the Morton Veterans' Memorial Committee is starting its fundraising for a Veterans' Memorial to be built in Birchwood Park. Displayed were the concept drawings of the memorial and samples of the granite blocks to be sold to help cover the cost of the Memorial.

PFC Vandermeer then escorted SSGT Smith's family to the monument and they placed a wreath in honor of all our departed comrades.

Post 318's honor guard saluted the dead with a gun salute and Taps.

The ceremony concluded with a thank you to all the participants and those who worked behind the scene to make the program a success.
For those of you who were there .... Thank you For those who missed it.... hope to see you next year.