Warroad Remembers: Memorial Day Services held here

In the summer of 1995, I worked a three month internship at The Warroad Pioneer, which I'm sorry to say has since ceased operation. This was the first professional newspaper that I worked for in my career, and it turned out to be a wonderful experience. I had only worked at Bemidji State University's newspaper for about a year and half before landing the internship. At The Pioneer I gained experience in sports, feature, beat and government reporting. I designed pages, took and developed photographs and was responsible for community relations. The best part is that I remain friends with the owners nearly 30 years later.

May 30, 1995

By Devlyn Brooks

Patriotism was plentiful as men, women and children all stared at the passing American Legion members who bore flags, guns and stern faces. The Warroad High School band added a touch of tradition as the parade marched its way to the doors of the Warroad Elementary School.

Aided by a sunny morning, this is how the American Legion and Auxiliary kicked off their annual Memorial Day services Monday.

Following the parade, spectators filled the school gym, awaiting the annual service.

To begin the program, Legion Commander Art Brandli ordered his fellow Legion members to "Advance the Colors."

Twenty-six men, most of them white-haired, marched forward to take their position among the reserved seats at the front of the gym. Following them were four men who presented the Colors. Two on the outside bearing guns, tow on the inside carrying the American and Legion flags.

The band played the National Anthem, officially beginning the proceedings.

Following the opening invocation in which Legion Post Chaplain Dan McKinnon prayed for all veterans who have sacrificed their lives, the and played another selectin entitled "Days of Glory."

John Albrecht, vice president of manufacturing for Marvin Windows and Doors, gave the Message of the Day. He is a graduate of the West Point Military Academy and served twice in Germany and once in Vietnam.

"It is a real privilege to be here this morning," he said. "It is also, however, a very humbling experience ..."

He said that being asked to speak at the service brought back memories of the time in second grade when his dad brought him and his brother to a Memorial Day service in White Bear Lake.

"I remember watching my dad, and other men in the crowd, salute the American Flag as it passed by," he said. "I specifically recall how straight my dad stood while he was saluting."

He said that speaking also evoked another memory. One of when he marched in New York City Memorial Day parades as a cadet at West Point.

His later Memorial parades as a cadet weren't as cheerful. During this time he said the nation was busy thinking about the Vietnam War.

"We (the cadets) were beginning to hear reports from the battlefield of West Point graduates we personally knew who had been killed in battle," he said. "Our thoughts were decidedly somber as we began to think about going on active duty and serving in Vietnam."

Albrecht said that while he was preparing for Monday's service, he was "overwhelmed with the magnitude of heroism and the ultimate sacrifice these Americans made for the freedom of others."

Albrecht spoke about the obligation that everybody owes to all fallen veterans.

"This obligation is in the form of passing on our legacy of freedom to our children and grandchildren," he said.

He recited a verse from a song written by a fellow West Point cadet "many years ago." He said the song assured him that the veterans who have given the ultimate sacrifice do know that they have made a difference, and that they haven't died in vain.

"Our nation's history is a shining light for freedom," he said. "Those brave American military personnel who gave their lives for the freedom of their fellow man are the candle for this shining light."

The crowd heard once again from the high school band playing "You're a Grand Old Flag," before Chaplain McKinnon recited the annual Roll Call of the Departed. He announced only one name: Richard Stewart.

As the crowd bowed their heads in silent prayer, restless children bounced on their parents' laps. "Taps" wafted throughout the gymnasium commanding a deep, silent respect.

Following the ceremony, the American Legion held ceremonies on the bridge over the Warroad River.