Exeter Honors the Fallen

 Even though a soggy Memorial Day had been in the forecast, the weather stayed dry, but cool for the Exeter Memorial Day program at the Exeter Cemetery.

The large crowd was welcomed to the program by American Legion Post 218 Commander Mark Beethe after the color guard marched in with the flags.

Beethe noted that in addition to honoring "all of those service members that made the ultimate sacrifice" he wanted to remember those specifically from Fillmore County and Exeter.

The Exeter-Milligan Band performed three numbers including the "Star Spangled Banner," "America," and "Salute to Freedom."

The invocation was led by Father Brendan Kelly, Aidan Vavra read the "Gettysburg Address" and Kierra Papik read "In Flanders Field."

Vietnam veteran and American Legion member Tim Wilbeck gave the address and focused on the special meaning of Memorial Day.  He encouraged the audience to think of it as "more than carrying on a tradition. . .we need to fulfill a commitment to some special people."

The members of the military who "answered the call of duty giving us today, tomorrow and the tomorrow of the future."

With more than one million Americans sacrificing their lives in defense of our country Wilbeck challenged the audience, asking, "What would our country be like today if they hadn't fought for our freedom?"

At the same time Wilbeck encouraged his listeners to honor the dead by serving the living.

Wilbeck told the story of a professional football player,Jack Lummus, a tight end for the NY Giants who gave up his football career to enlist.  Lummus, according to Wilbeck, went from "sports hero to genuine American hero" when he died during World War II at Iwo Jima after stepping on a land mine.

He also mentioned several other veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice noting they were "no less heroic.  We are gathered so we can remember their sacrifice."

The program ended with a 21 gun salute by the members of the Exeter American Legion and Sons of the Legion while "Taps" was played by Kierra Papik and Exeter-Milligan band director Mark Perez.