RACINE — The importance of remembering those who served in the military, those who came home and those who didn’t, was an emphasis of speaker Larry Fisher at the Memorial Day service of Racine Post 602, American Legion.
“With 600 World War II veterans dying every day, our children and grandchildren need to hear their stories about Omaha and Normandy Beaches, of of Pearl Harbor, Berlin, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa, of the Battle of the Bulge, and the Bataan Death March. We need to tell their stories because they can no longer tell them,” said the speaker.
Fisher gave his family’s history of serving in the military including relatives who fought in the Civil War, in World War 1 and World War II. All came home, he said, but many didn’t, mentioning five from the area who made the supreme sacrifice during World War II — Edgar Bradford, George Hayman, Charles Miller, Owen Stobart and William Swauger.
Legion and Southern Local School Board member Dennie Evans reported that the plaque honoring those men which was displayed in the old Racine High School gymnasium, has been found and will be placed at the flag pole at the new high school now under construction.
Post Commander Kevin Wilford welcomed the over 100 people attending the observance and recognized World War II veterans Charles Bush, Delbert Smith, Paul Beegle,and Kenneth Theiss. He announced that two $500 scholarships had been awarded by the Post to the children or grandchildren of members, Jennifer McCoy and Cody Wolfe.
Patriotic selections were played by the Southern High School Band under the direction of Chad Dodson. A wreath made by Jane Beegle was placed at the monument, and refreshments were served following the service of remembrance.
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