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Memorial Day Service Held in Pella to Honor Service Members’ Lives

Strickland says no matter how people feel about the war, they should still honor our veterans.

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Hours before the crowds, a few dedicated souls came to remember loved ones lost to war and those who served and survived, forever carrying wounds and memories with them as well as their family members.

The Englewood Veterans Memorial group organized the May 28 event at Englewood High School.

Many people visit cemeteries and memorials, particularly to honor those who have died in military service. There was a touching tribute to EHS graduates who sacrificed their lives in the service of our country with pictures, flags and a pair of combat boots sitting below each picture. In 1971, Memorial Day was officially declared a national holiday and placed on the last Monday in May, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website says.

A local Vietnam veteran who died a year ago will be inducted into the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund’s “In Memory” program in June.

While some see it as a holiday, Art Bell, Commander of American Legion Jack Henry Post 1 said people need to remember the real reasons behind the day of honor. “The ones who died in wars around the world and gave up their lives for everyone who lives in the United States”.

The 10th Mountain Division’s marching band played in Carthage’s Memorial Day Parade.

World War II veteran Paul Story, 93, certainly has one to tell.

So, between today’s barbecues and other outings, take a moment to remember that more than 650,000 Americans have died in battle since the Revolutionary War, including those who have died in Iraq, Afghanistan and other areas of conflict.

“This is the most peaceful place I think I’ve ever been”, said Regina Murguia.

“We support them and we’re thinking about them and we care about the services we provide to the families of our veterans and fallen military members”, says Morris.

“I am a veteran”.

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“This means a lot to me to honor the guys who never came back, and it’s to honor the guys who served, too”, he said.

Former U.S. Marine Jon Scudder left watches as a Metropolitan Transit Authority worker prepares to cover a vandalized Vietnam War Memorial in the Venice area of Los Angeles on Monday