Rain moves Memorial Day ceremony indoors

Rain might have shoehorned Shawano’s Memorial Day observance into a crowded gymnasium at the middle school Monday, but the pride, passion and emotional fervor of the occasion were impossible to contain.

“Today, across this great nation of ours in countless places, we celebrate Memorial Day,” said County Supervisor Jerry Erdmann, a veteran of the Vietnam War. “Memorial Day may only be celebrated once throughout the year, but it is a day that most of us celebrate 365 days a year.”

Erdmann said those who served remember those who didn’t make it back.

“We made it back to spread the word that no one forget the ultimate sacrifices of so many women and so many men; not only the lives of the people who have served been affected, but also the lives of families and relatives,” Erdmann said.

Erdmann said he and those who did serve were proud of having answered the call.

“Thank God we have the willingness, the courage, the fortitude and the people who are willing to take on any task that is asked of them,” he said. “Please don’t forget the individuals who have given and sacrificed so much for what we have. If we can carry that thought with us 365 days a year, this country of ours will certainly survive for centuries to come.”

Mayor Lorna Marquardt encouraged the rekindling of patriotism in the younger generation.

“We need to remember the importance of instilling in our young people something that seems to be lacking in today’s country,” she said. “We need to be proud to be American and show respect for our veterans, respect our law enforcement and teach our children and grandchildren to have respect.”

Marquardt said the country can’t let go of its family values or religious beliefs.

“We need more people in prayer and less people fighting,” she said. “We need God back in our schools.”

Hundreds of people packed into the bleachers at Shawano Community Middle School for the ceremony normally held at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Shawano School District Superintendent Gary Cumberland — whose son Andrew is a member of the Air National Guard and just returned from deployment in Japan — gave the keynote speech.

“It is vital that we as a nation and a community pause today, and everyday for that matter, to solemnly remember and pay tribute to our brave men and woman who have fallen to secure the prosperity and liberty that we enjoy today,” he said.

Cumberland noted that 24,000 Wisconsinites have fallen in America’s wars.

“Each one of these 24,000 Wisconsinites is representative of a life cut short,” he said, but who accomplished something for the greater good.

“They did go on to do good in this world. They impacted the lives of every American,” Cumberland said. “We owe them our undying respect and gratitude.”

Master of ceremonies at Monday’s event was Dennis Bohm. Wolf River Harmony and the high school and middle school bands provided music.

Ralph Schmidt and Sheri Hagel of AMVETS Post 10 placed the memorial wreath.