The greatest way to honor the fallen is to live worthy of the freedom they protected, and to carry their legacy with us into America’s next 250 years.”

Colton Paczkowski

The annual Memorial Day Ceremony was held at Riverside Cemetery on May 25. It began with Vets Club Commander Larry Herington welcoming those in attendance. He said the average age of someone going into the military is 19. They have seen suffering and death and ask for nothing but friendship and understanding. He said that those that have gone before rest in peace. Chaplain Pat Conley said a prayer. Herington thanked the Scouts for placing the flags on the graves noting there are 560+ in the cemetery.
Carmen Frese was the 2026 Vets Club Scholarship winner. Her essay was on why honoring veterans should extend beyond a single holiday. Her essay was as follows:
“Honoring veterans should extend far beyond a single holiday such as Veterans Day. Our veterans need to be honored every chance you get. True appreciation means showing respect, support, and recognition throughout the entire year. Veterans have dedicated time, energy, and often made personal sacrifices, some have given the ultimate sacrifice with their life. They have served their country with pride and continuing to show gratitude is one meaningful way for us to give back. For me, honoring veterans is personal. My grandpa served in the Vietnam War, and I also had a neighbor who served in the Air Force. Knowing people in my own life who have experienced military service makes honoring veterans feel more personal. It’s not just something I read about in history, it’s connected to people I know and care about. Their experiences remind me that service often comes with sacrifice and that appreciation should be ongoing.
“One important way to honor veterans year-round is through simple acts of acknowledgment. Saying ‘thank you for your service’ may seem small, but it shows that their contributions are valued. Listening to veterans’ stories, when they are willing to share, is another meaningful way to show respect and keep their experiences alive.
“Volunteering is also a powerful way to give back to veterans. Many organizations provide support, including help with housing, employment and healthcare. At my workplace, Strides Equestrian Therapeutic Center, there is a program called Freedom Ranch that raises money for veterans in need. I’ve had the opportunity to help with a Veterans Retreat hosted by the Highground. During this retreat, veterans were able to connect with horses in meaningful ways such as grooming or leading them around. Watching the way each veteran connected with the horses was beneficial and allowed me to see how important these experiences can be. Talking with the veterans made a lasting impression on me. I realized that each person had gone through something different and coped with their experiences in their own way. It helped me better understand the challenges many veterans face and why continued support is so important. These experiences have led me to believe even more strongly that we should do more to honor and help our veterans all year long, not just on special occasions.
“Witnessing people step up to help, whether through fundraising or direct support, shows us there are many ways we can make a difference. Honoring veterans year-round is about never forgetting. Whether it’s through small acts of kindness, community involvement, or personal reflection, showing appreciation should not be limited to one day. By making gratitude a regular part of our lives, we can truly respect and support those who have served.”
After Carmen’s essay, the band played a selection. Then the 2025 Badger State delegates stepped up to the podium and gave a joint speech about Americas’ 250th birthday and its connection to Memorial Day.
Lydia Van Ark began, “Good morning, everyone.
“Today we gather to honor two powerful moments in our nation’s story: Memorial Day and the approaching 250th birthday of the United States of America. These two occasions belong together, because our country has reached a quarter of a millennium only through the courage and sacrifice of those who defended it.
“Two hundred and fifty years ago, in 1776, a small group of ordinary people made an extraordinary declaration. They believed that freedom was worth fighting for and that all people are created equal. That belief became the foundation of a new nation, an experiment in liberty that changed the world.
“As we prepare to celebrate America’s 250th birthday in 2026, we are not simply marking a date on a calendar. We are celebrating the endurance of an idea. That idea survived because generations of Americans were willing to protect it with their lives. This is the heart of Memorial Day.
“Memorial Day is more than parades, cookouts, or the beginning of summer. It is a day of remembrance. It is a day to honor the men and women who gave their lives so that our nation could live. Every freedom we enjoy today, including the freedom to speak, worship, learn, vote, and dream, exists because someone stood guard over it.
“America’s story has never been easy. From the beginning, our nation has faced challenges, wars, and sacrifices. The American Revolution was the first test. Farmers, blacksmiths, merchants, and everyday citizens stood against one of the most powerful empires in the world. Many never returned home. Their courage allowed the United States to become an independent nation.
“In the years that followed, Americans fought again in the War of 1812 to defend our young country and prove that this new nation would endure. Their sacrifices helped carry America forward toward the 250-year milestone we now approach.”
Lilli Stinson continued, “The challenges to our nation did not end there.
“The American Civil War became one of the darkest chapters in our history. Americans fought Americans, and families were torn apart. More than 600,000 lives were lost. Yet from that tragedy came a stronger union and the end of slavery. The sacrifices made during the Civil War pushed America closer to the ideals written in our founding documents, ideals we continue to strive toward today.
“As the world changed, America was called to defend freedom far beyond its own borders. In World War I, young Americans crossed the Atlantic to protect democracy in Europe. Many left small towns and farms, never imagining they would fight in trenches thousands of miles from home. Many never returned.
“Then came World War II, a conflict that reshaped the entire world. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Americans united with remarkable determination. Soldiers fought across Europe, Africa, and the Pacific. Millions served, and hundreds of thousands gave their lives. They stood against tyranny so that future generations could live in freedom.
“The veterans of World War II became known as The Greatest Generation, but every generation of veterans has carried greatness in their own way.
“In Korea, American troops fought to defend freedom on the Korean Peninsula.
“In Vietnam, service members faced brutal conditions and deep divisions back home, yet they served with courage and honor.
“Each conflict added new names to the long list of Americans who gave their lives for their country.
“As we look towards America’s 250th birthday, we must remember that our nation reached this milestone because of them.”
Jack Wendler continued, “In more recent decades, American troops have served in the Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Iraq. After the September 11 attacks, many young Americans volunteered to defend the nation once again. Some returned home carrying wounds we could see. Others carried wounds we could not. And some never came home at all.
“This is the purpose of Memorial Day. It reminds us that freedom is not free.
“Every cross in a military cemetery, every folded flag handed to a grieving family, and every name carved into a memorial represents a life given for others. A life given for us.
“As we approach America’s 250th birthday, we should ask ourselves an important question. What kind of country are we leaving for the next generation?
“The soldiers who sacrificed for this nation did not fight for a perfect America. They fought for the possibility of America. They believed that each generation could continue improving our country and protecting the freedoms we share.
“Their sacrifices challenge us to be better citizens.
“To honor them not only with words, but with actions.
“To serve our communities.
“To respect one another.
“To protect freedom and democracy.
“To remember the cost of the liberties we enjoy every day.
“As we celebrate 250 years of American independence, we must carry their legacy forward with gratitude, responsibility, and unity.”
Colton Paczkowski concluded, “The story of America is not only the story of presidents and generals. It is the story of millions of ordinary people who stepped forward when their country needed them.
“It is the story of a nurse caring for wounded soldiers.
“The Marine landing on a distant shore.
“The pilot flying through danger.
“The Gold Star families carrying unimaginable loss.
“The veterans sitting quietly among us today who served not for recognition, but out of love for their country.
“As America turns 250 years old, we should celebrate with pride, but also with deep gratitude. Gratitude for those who built this nation. Gratitude for those who defended it. And gratitude for those who continue serving today.
“This Memorial Day, let us remember that the freedoms we enjoy were paid for by brave Americans across every generation. Let us make sure their sacrifices are never forgotten.
“The greatest way to honor the fallen is to live worthy of the freedom they protected, and to carry their legacy with us into America’s next 250 years.”
The band played the National Anthem. Chaplain Pat Conley said a prayer and then read the Memorial Day Prayer. He then placed a poppy wreath on the grave of one of the fallen. The ceremony ended with a gun salute to the fallen and the playing of Taps. Before everyone left Herington recognized the oldest veteran in attendance, Art Petersen, age 101.