Memorializing

As the flags were raised and billowed in the breeze, people gathered the morning of Monday, May 29 on the lawn of the Waseca County courthouse and lined the streets in Waseca for a Memorial Day Ceremony honoring all those who have died either in the service of our nation, or as veterans during the past year. 

The morning started with a parade and continued with a program, led by American Legion Commander Shelby Barbknecht. After an opening prayer led by Reverend Andrew Isker of Fourth Street Evangelical Church, the high school’s sextet choir sang the “Star Spangled Banner" accompanied by the high school’s marching band. Student Sadie Schimming recited Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and “America” was sung by Paul Stewart. With an a capella improvised beginning after some technical issues, Stewart was soon joined by his accompaniment played by Bob Stephan on the guitar. 

A speech given by Grant Whissemore, American Legion and VFW member and chairman of the Waseca Memorial Day Committee, focused on the good history of Waseca and reminded us to “look out for the old guys” and their quickly disappearing generation. 

“I think about the old guys,” Wissemore said, “but now I am old and I’m really thinking about it. We do what we can and we try to have the town aware of it.”

Whissemore said that now that he is the old guy, he thinks he “could’ve done more” and is always thinking about and looking out for the old guys like him. 

Whissemore went through the history of some of Waseca’s troops and talked about how “Waseca has a good history of supporting our troops in different wars.” Ending his speech, he advised everyone to set aside some time to take care of our living vets. 

The auxiliary chaplains laid wreaths and Barbknecht read the list of veterans who had died since May of 2022; a moment of silence was observed. 

The high school choir sang “Homeward Bound”; the choir and band together performed “America (My Country, ’Tis of Thee).” Reverend Isker led the benediction and the rifles were fired. Taps was then performed by two members of the high school’s band, trumpet players Joseph Feldkamp and Noah Dahle.

The VFW held a breakfast after the program.

Emma Keith, a junior in high school and a choir sextet member, said she felt honored to be in the program.

“It’s very special to be a part of something so big,” she said. “I didn’t think that this many people came to this. I used to come when I was little with my mom.”

The program will be played on TV, but will not be played over the radio this year.