Nila Charles, VFW 5807, stood at attention at Wilson Cemetery on Memorial Day 2025. Bruner photo

Honoring Those Who Gave Their All

Newell News

NVN-Monday, May 26, was a day of remembrance. A day for remembering those who had given the ultimate sacrifice. Memorial Day has been set aside to honor those who have fallen in battle defending our freedoms. Originally called Decoration Day for over a century, this special day was changed to Memorial Day in the 1880’s.

Memorial Day was borne out of the Civil War and a desire to honor American soldiers who had given their lives in service. On May 5, 1868, General John Logan, the national commander of the Grand Army of the republic, officially proclaimed it in his General Order No. 11.

In the Order, the General proclaimed, “The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land.” This was the date of the first Decoration Day.

Now known as Memorial Day, it is celebrated throughout the US.

Members of VFW Post 5807 make sure that the day is not forgotten in the NVN area. This Memorial Day did not fall short of honoring the fallen soldiers lying in graves at Vale, Wilson Cemetery, and Hope Cemetery.

Mike Keolker was the Master of Ceremonies for each service. He introduced each person as they laid the wreath at the foot of the flag pole. Michelle Stockert had the honor at the Vale Cemetery, Luann Youngberg at Wilson Cemetery, and Sabrina Harmon laid the wreath at Hope Cemetery.

The Honor Guard was made up of men representing Post 5807. Sergeant at Arms, John Maxwell gave the orders to fire the 21-gun salute. Members were Larry Schumacher, Fred Wells, Joe Crockford, Dale Grant, Zack Grant, Dave Krcelic, and Dave Baumiller.

Nila Charles held the American Flag during the ceremonies.

Greg Todd was the speaker and shared emotional thoughts about the day. He began by saying that most think Memorial Day is a day for picnics and fun. But it is more than that.

It’s very important to honor and memorialize those who gave their lives for our nation. Many have been wounded and seen horrors and felt the pain of war.

“There are those whose lives ended all too soon,” he said.

“We celebrate those who have no voice. We owe so much to them,” he continued.

Because of the sacrifices the men and women gave, we can enjoy the freedom to have a picnic. Todd pointed out that we live in a free nation, a prosperous nation, because of their sacrifice.

As Todd said, “We owe them such a great debt. Consider it an honor to pay tribute to those who gave us so much.”

There is a debt we have that can never be paid back. Consider it an honor to pay tribute to those who gave so much.

Read the full issue of the Belle Fourche Beacon by clicking here.

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