March 19, 2024

Heroes remembered on Memorial Day

Large crowd gathers at Union Cemetery

As The Star Spangled Banner played during Monday’s Memorial Day service at Newton Union Cemetery, the sound of fireworks, or bombs, bursting in the air were in the distance as about 100 people stood from their lawn chairs either saluting the American flag or placing their hands over their hearts.

U.S. Army veteran of 32 years Gary Barrett was again this year’s guest speaker at the annual ceremony and said he was honored to speak during an official Memorial Day, which was originally established on May 30, in 1868 until it was changed to the final Monday of the month.

“Today is very special to me because it is, indeed, a true Memorial Day,” Barrett said. “It is up to we the people to keep the stories, of not only our heroes, alive, but to ensure we keep the stories of the veterans who served, suffered, came home and rebuilt their lives on the forefront as well. Understand that this is truly a day to remember those who did not come home.”

The retired command sergeant major spoke about the dead and the living in his 20-minute speech.

On this annual holiday, Barrett said he remembers a handful of people who have affected his life. Those individuals include his deceased World War II veteran father, his brother who served three tours in Vietnam, and a friend from his childhood who enlisted in the Marines out of high school and died in Vietnam.

Barrett then gave his perspective on the direction he believes the country should go to help living veterans and the families of the deceased.

He asked for President Barack Obama to demand the Vietnamese government’s cooperation in accounting for MIA soldiers, and for political leaders to provide sufficient care of their retired soldiers who have returned home.

“No longer should a veteran have to wait for treatment. No longer should a veteran feel like he or she is second best,” he said.

Barrett ended his speech by wishing everyone in attendance an enjoyable day, but to remember those who have sacrificed.

“I ask you to keep them in your heart, not only today, but each and every day of the year,” he said.

Following the guest speaker was the right of way call of the deceased given by Randy Wagner, Jasper County Veterans Affairs Commission member. Wagner read a list of more than 80 veterans in Jasper County who have died in the past year.

Rev. Eldon Pals also led a pair of prayers during the ceremony — one at the beginning and another near the end of the service.

The ceremony ended around 10:45 a.m. with the playing of taps, the firing squad shooting three rounds in the air to salute fallen veterans, and a bagpipe performance.

Prior to the Union Cemetery Memorial Day service, a 9 a.m. ceremony took place north of Newton at Wittemberg Cemetery.

Contact Alex Olp at aolp@newtondailynews.com