Versailles News: A Memorial Day reflection

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Memorial Day is again upon us and it’s always ridiculously hectic with graduation ceremonies, cook outs, parties and parades. In fact the entire month of May is so fast paced it’s hard to keep up with everything. Even Mother’s Day seems to be a popular day for weddings, as well as graduation parties.

Memorial Day has been in existence in the US since 1868, although it was originally called Decoration Day, because families decorated the graves of those who died while serving our armed forces. In our present time veteran organizations such as the American Legion, Catholic War Vets or Veterans of Foreign Wars salutes their fallen comrades by placing a flag on the grave of all the deceased that had served in the armed forces. Also family members visit and decorate the graves of their loved ones, regardless of military background or not.

Many people will raise a US flag or a decorative red, white and blue variation of the our flag, some will attend church, participate or watch the parade, attend Memorial Day ceremonies, wear patriotic attire, visit the graveyard, say a prayer and/or give thanks for countless blessings which are normally taken for granted.

We all take so much for granted and we all owe so much for those who were willing to fight to protect the freedom we enjoy. Although Memorial Day was established to honor the battlefield fallen we, as a society, have grown to acknowledge and appreciate all who had and now serve in the armed forces.

Each of us might define freedom differently but I believe it’s best defined in the Declaration of Independence. “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” For our rights were given to us by our Creator not the government. Our freedom of worship is paramount. We can survive as slaves or under the rule of another country, as long as we have hope. Hope is what keeps us going and gives us something to live for. As long as we hope we live in freedom.

But hope can be misguided for often we place our hope in useless things; hoping for success, fame, or wealth, never obtaining it because we keep desiring more. Since our hope comes from our Creator it is right and just that we place our hope in Him, for until then we will remain restless and captive to our desires.

Perhaps our mightiest warriors have been the prayerful families that have faithfully interceded for peace and heavenly protection, although having never served in our Armed Forces, nor have their names been recorded in any worldly archive. Deep down we know we belong to God when, in much of our world, it’s unpopular to talk religion or make a public display of faith. We realize that peace is maintained by weapons more powerful than guns, bullets or bombs and we find strength and comfort that perhaps our fallen military now fill the ranks of the mighty spiritual warriors.

This memorial day listen to the words of the American Legion Chaplain as he prays “Almighty God, giver of all Victories, we thank Thee for the opportunities which abide in our land and for Thy guidance in times of need…The memory of these brave soldiers, and those whose resting place will not be known until the last day, will live forever. Keep us forever firm in righteousness, humble of heart, and unselfish in purpose. Amen.”

Upcoming events:

On Memorial Day Monday, the Versailles Vets will organize a parade beginning at 10:30 a.m. from the Vets Club and assembling at Greenlawn Cemetery for a memorial service which includes guest speaker Dr. Vivian Blevins. Following the program the public is invited for a full meal at the Vets Club.

On June 6, the town of Versailles will fog against mosquitoes beginning at 10 p.m, in case of inclement weather the fogging will be rescheduled for Wednesday evening.

Birthday wishes to Brenda Schmitmeyer, Donna Huelskamp, Barb Goubeaux, Henry Brunswick, Cindy Dapore, Lori Lawrence, Taylor Hayes, Cordelia Behlke, Sue (Rhoades) Christian, Cassie Ingle, Logan Schultz, Jessica Lyme, Jacob Shafer, Todd Prenger, Jackie Watren, Emma and Josie Marlow, Megan Aultman, Eileen Barga, Mary Jo Voisard, Adele Hoke, Mark Good, Alisha Thobe, Kris Tumbush, Jim Raterman, Marcy Bensman, Karen Batty, Jodie Bohman, Betty Davis, Sharron Sally, Vicki Ruhe, Susie Barga, Erica Bruns, Bernie Knapke, Betty McKenna and George Williams as their birthdays approach.

Anniversary wishes to Sarah and Nick Rhoades (10), Rhonda and Bob Stammen (?), Gina and Mark Hoying (25), Karen and Larry Langston (29), Jenni and Bob Paulus (32), Kelly and Doug McEldowney (34), Carolyn and Tony (Bucky) Francis (41), Shirley and John Huddle (?) and Rochelle and Norman Schlecty (54). Retirement wishes to Linda Moody! Congratulations graduates.

Please give your supportive and healing prayers for the many who are dealing with any of life’s countless challenges, and especially for Julie Keihl, Clete Hilgefort, Miriam Harman, Jack Monnin, Mary Batty, Norma Magoto, Susan Browder, Anne Schmitz, Kyndal Wynk, Roger Bey, Chris Fullenkamp, Alma May, Cy Gehret, Rhonda Poling, Donna and Terry Black, Ron Bruner, Connie Ecabert, Wanda and Joe Bailey, Dave Buxton, Conrad Phlipot, Betty Kremer, Vickie Cottrell, Dan Roseberry, Denny Grilliot, Sheila Spahr, Beverly Brown, Linda Kendinger, Steve Youngker, Harold Langston, Sr., Julie Keihl, Joan Magoto, Jeanne Brandon, Ruth Haft, Rosie Pearson, Virginia Smith, John Subler, Mary Barga, Anabelle Subler, Julia Billenstein, Merilyn Borchers, Connie (Baltes) Lechleiter, Jack Borgerding, Dan Monnin, Lois Youngker, Barb Goubeaux, Cyril Frantz (hospital), Michelle Ullom, Eileen Rahm, Cyril Voisard, Samantha Smith, Brian Voisard, and all those not mentioned by name who are ill, suffering, hospitalized, home-bound and/or in need of our prayers and their caregivers.

Heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Jaret Van Hoose (18), Jack Sanders (70), and also remembering the lives of Jim Crotcher, Kenneth Draving, Gary Cook, Bernard Drees, Joann Deal, Fred Condon, Clete Poeppelman, Hilda Benanzer, Mary Ellen Simon, Charles Hubbard, Alice Allison, Karen Gehret, Diane Voisard, Charlie Paulus, Eileen Morgan, Aunt Emma Barhorst, Irene Grisez and all those not mentioned by name as the anniversary of their passing nears.

“Hope anchors the soul.” ~Unknown

“In our sad condition our only consolation is the expectancy of another life. Here below all is incomprehensible.” ~Martin Luther

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands; one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

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By Kathy Magoto

Versailles News

Kathy Magoto is a volunteer citizen columnist, who serves The Daily Advocate readers weekly with her weekly Versailles community column. She can be reached at [email protected] or at 526-3798. Feel free to contact her with Versailles news and tidbits. Viewpoints expressed in the article are the work of the author. The Daily Advocate does not endorse these viewpoints or the independent activities of the author.

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