Memorial Day Program held Russell Pahlen Park in Plummer

On a perfect Monday morning, the Plummer American Legion Post 623 held their 2021Memorial Day Service in the park.  Commander Jerome Bakke welcomed everyone attending and then the color guard under the direction of Chuck Simpson advanced the colors.  Following the invocation by Chaplain Les Hofstad, Alice Jobe from the Auxiliary and Commander Bakke placed the wreaths, a token of enduring memory for our departed comrades.  A thank you was extended to various people including Past Commander Roy Holmes for setting up the crosses in the park, and to those who put American flags on the graves of veterans in Red Lake County.

Commander Bakke delivered the Memorial Day message.    “Greater love hath no man, than a man who lays down his life for his friends.” 1.3 million soldiers have died in conflict since the Revolutionary War.  Why do soldiers fight and possibly give up their life? According to research from WWI by the American Legion there are four reasons.  Commander Bakke believes these reasons are still valid today. 1) To keep America safe and secure from enemies who would destroy our American way of life. 2) To protect those they fought with, their comrades.  3) For the American core values of God and country, for family, patriotism and our religious heritage. 4) For our children so they can grow up with the freedoms we have. 

Bakke gave a short history of Memorial Day explaining that its roots go back to the end of the Civil War. Our fallen heroes are honored this day.  The ability to go to the lake or enjoy a cookout are just some of the freedoms for which our heroes died.  Bakke went on to detail other ways to remember our veterans because their lives gave us the ability to make these kinds of choices: attending the church of your choice, seeing the health care provider of your choice, deciding what you want to eat or what restaurant you want to visit, crossing state lines easily without hassle or paperwork, freely voicing your opinions, making your education and career choices. Bakke said, these freedoms “were paid for by the blood of our fallen heroes; so remember them today and remember them every day.”

Following Commander Bakke’s address Past Commander Clarence Gagner and Alice Jobe from the Auxiliary read the names of deceased veterans and auxiliary members.  After the military salute, taps and retirement of colors, Bernard Steinkopf and Chuck Simpson were recognized for 50 years of membership in the Legion.  Then, as in other years, the group reassembled at the bridge on the west end of Plummer to remember those lost at sea. Chaplain Hofstad read a prayer and Alice Jobe tossed the memorial wreath into the river. Following the gun salute and taps the program ended with all being invited to lunch served at the Legion Club.  

A video of the program is available on YouTube (https://youtu.be/WsCsLAu4xug) and may also be found on Facebook.

Submitted: Alice Hofstad