Post & Mail photos/Michelle Linn

Mayor Jim Fleck speaks to those gathered for a Memorial Day service at Greenhill Cemetery Monday.

Etna Church members Jackson Geiger and Cheryl Stalter carry a posterboard decorated by the church’s children, Stacy and Garret Geiger carry the American flag, and Maddy Minnick carries the Christian flag.
 

By RUTH STANLEY
Managing editor
While men and women continue to serve their country overseas in conflicts in the Middle East and in other posts and stations around the world, Columbia City paused to remember those who have fought for freedom in previous wars.
Following a parade down Van Buren Street, American Legion members conducted a ceremony at Greenhill Cemetery Monday honoring fallen local veterans.
American Legion Post 98 Commander and chaplain, Dean Ramsey, opened the ceremony with a prayer and followed it with reading about the flag.
Past commander Richard A. Stark read a poem, written by Korean War veteran Charles W. Johnson.

“We walked among the crosses
Where our fallen soldier lay
And listen to the bugle
as taps begins to play.

“The chaplain led a prayer
We stood with heads bowed low
And I thought of fallen comrades
I have known so long ago.

“They came from every city
Across the fertile land
That we might live in freedom
They lie here ’neath the sand.

“I felt a little guilty
My sacrifice was small
I only lost a little time
But these men lost it all.

“Now the services are over
Fro this Memorial Day
To the names upon these crosses
I just want to say, Thank you.

“Thanks for what you’ve given
No one could ask for more
May you rest with God in Heaven
From no through evermore.”

Stark urged fellow veterans, family and friends of veterans to remember fallen comrades not just on Memorial Day, but “at the empty seat at the dinner table, the smaller gathering on thanksgiving, and the voice of a loved one heard only as a distant memory in one’s mind. Their sacrifice was important, their sacrifice was noble and their sacrifice was permanent.”
Ramsey paid special tribute to Joe Zickgraf, former American Legion commander, and a veteran who played a large role in organizing past Memorial Day parades.
Ramsey remembered the love that Zickgraf had for his God, church, family and country and his roles as post commander, mayor, and businessman.
“The motto of the American Legion is ‘For God and Country.’ Joe was all of this. It is only fitting that we remember him today. I know that he is with us in spirit,” Ramsey said.
Mayor Jim Fleck posed two questions to all those gathered, the first asking them what they were doing over the weekend and the second asking what they would remember about the weekend.  The message stressed the importance of remembering the meaning of Memorial Day, remembering those lost, remembering to have pride for the our country and flag, and remembering all that they lived and died for.
“We are here to honor those who have allowed us to be free,” said Fleck.
Members of the American Legion and VFW posts who died during the past year were honored. They include, Porter Adams, Ernest  Bowsman, Ralph Conet, George Coverstone, Raymond Gilbert, Thomas Goss, Richard Grunstad, Clarence Huey, Ralph Joker, Richard Krieder, Leon Paulus, Daniel Rock, Richard L. Smith, Robert Steller, Guy Stickler, Joe Zickgraf, Alvin Fry and Leon Wysong.
Cliff Anderson, adjutant of the Sons of the American Legions squadron, placed a wreath in remembrance.
Others participating in the ceremony include Post 98 color guard, Joe Pittenger, Dave hawn, Norris Strickland and Jim Helfrich. The Post 98 firing squad of Bill Hare, Ted Hare, Joe Hare, Bob Hearld, Mike Bellinger, Frank Fry, Bill Rae, Larry Jones.
Lynda Jones was the buglar, playing Taps.