Remembering . . .honoring . . .thanking . . .and looking forward were themes of the day as Montezuma paused to reflect on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30.
The annual ceremony took place under sunny skies at Jackson Township Cemetery at the south end of High Street.
A medley of patriotic music, played by the Montezuma High School Band under the direction of Carri Burnett, helped to set the mood.
Rev. Boyd Sparks, chaplain of American Legion Blakeley-Stevens Post 169, led opening prayer and closed near the end of the ceremony.
Hawkeye Girls State Representatives Abby Cheney and Sadie De Jong read Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. They were introduced by Bea Hensel, president of Auxiliary Unit 169.
Legion Commander Ron Hensel introduced Justin Smith, who read “General Logan’s Orders.” Smith is the Legion’s Boys State Representative.
State Rep. David Maxwell, a Vietnam veteran, delivered the Memorial Day address.
Pastor Brian Cushman of United Methodist Church sang, “God Bless America.”
Bea Hensel laid a wreath on a headstone representing our departed comrades.
The departed were honored by a rifle salute by the Legion color guard, and the sounding of “Taps.”
The high school band sent everyone off with “The Star Spangled Banner.”
Legion members thanked all those who helped to put up and take down the almost 500 flags that flew in a warm breeze over the cemetery.
Afterward, refreshments were served in Montezuma Memorial Hall.
