THE VFW conducted its annual service at the memorial in commemoration of Memorial Day. (Photos by Peter Jakey)
by Peter Jakey-Managing Editor
The community gathered Monday morning on the lawn of the Onaway courthouse for the annual Memorial Day service.
Tributes were paid with songs, music and words to those who have fallen in defense of our country, and the vets that came home, but now have passed.
This year’s ceremony was geared to honor Vietnam vets with 14 new names added to The Wall in Washington, D.C.
Post commander read the name of the 14 and said they, “now have taken their rightful place among their fallen brothers and sisters.”
The names of the four local men who died in Vietnam were read by post commander Cal McCaslin.
They include: Charles D. Chapman, William B. Nolde, John Veihl and Dean Wilderspin. He also told those in the audience what panel and line their names are on on the monument in the nation’s capitol.
“To you my brothers and sisters in arms, I salute
He also mentioned a Vietnam War exhibit at the Jesse Besser Museum in Alpena. He expressed his appreciation that students from Onaway Area Community Schools were the first to put a call in and set up a tour.
“On behalf of George Garms Post 5857, we would like to thank the teachers, staff and students,” said McCaslin. He was involved in the establishment of the display, which will remain open until October.
Also taking part in the ceremony were members of the Onaway High School band, as well as Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. Taed Price and Judy Bancroft also sang songs.