March 28, 2024

Veterans honored at Memorial Day Service

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A picturesque day greeted visitors to Newton Union Cemetery for the Memorial Day Service on Monday. Arranged and sponsored by the Jasper County Veterans Council, the ceremony honored those veterans who served valiantly for the United States, some paying the ultimate sacrifice.

Levi Pence, who served as emcee, announced the joint posting of colors by the American Legion Post III, VFW Post 1655 and Jasper County Vietnam Veterans to begin the service. The American Flag, along with flags representing each branch of the military, the veterans organizations and the state of Iowa were presented by both the posting and the Legion Riders, who stood as a backdrop to the ceremony.

An invocation was given by the Rev. Eldon Pals followed by a rendition of the National Anthem by Elizabeth Pearson. The featured speaker, retired Brigadier General Fred Chabot, of Newton, then spoke to those who had gathered about his thoughts on Memorial Day.

“This is indeed an honor and a privilege to be asked to deliver the Memorial Day address on such a beautiful day here at Newton Union Cemetery,” Chabot said. “We are primarily gathered here to honor those who gave their life, the supreme sacrifice while serving our country and our state.”

Chabot said it is also a time to think of those who came home from conflicts or their time in the military. Those who lived civilian lives and died having served and lived to enjoy their country years after.

“A person who comes to mind, for me, is my own mother, Mary Lucille Chabot,” he said. “She served in the United States Marine Corp, believe it or not, in World War II. We laid her to rest just last month.”

Chabot also charged citizens of the country to not only think of veterans on Memorial Day but to remember those who are still coming home from service in the weeks and months ahead. Caring for those veterans and making sure their medical needs are met is a vital issue, he said, and one to continue to pursue to ensure veterans are treated with the respect and honor they deserve.

“Never forget them, never forget them, never forget them,” Chabot said. “God bless the families of our deceased veterans with peace for their sacrifices, their grief and their loss. God bless of great nation and its leaders with wisdom in the face of decision that will affect the lives of our young women and men under arms. Thank you for your presence here today to honor of deceased veterans.”

The address was followed by the ceremonial laying of the wreaths. The wreaths this year were placed for The Unknown Soldier, Gold Star Mothers, Spanish American War Auxiliary, Woman’s Relief Corp, World War I, World War II, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary, LaFemmes Cabane #283, American Legion Auxiliary, Navy Mothers, Marine Corp, Coast Guard, Barracks 1503 World War I Auxiliary, Jasper County Korean Veterans Wives, Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, Jasper County Vietnam Veterans Wives, Middle East Kuwait, NATO, Kosovo and Bosnia and Global War on Terrorism.

Randy Wagner presented the right-of-way call of all those in the Newton area who had served and were deceased in the past year. Pals gave the closing benediction and a salute to the deceased rang through the air as three waves of shots went off in remembrance. The ceremony concluded with renditions of “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes and Taps.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com