Clintonville salutes the fallen in annual Memorial Day program

Sgt. Jesse Cuff, a 10-year member of the U.S. Army Reserve, was the main speaker Monday at the Clintonville Memorial Day ceremony in Graceland Cemetery.

“Albert Einstein once said this was a dangerous place, not because the people are evil but because they don’t do anything about it,” Cuff said. “Our veterans are selfless in service to place people above themselves. Jesus said there is no greater love than to lay down a life for friends.”

Cuff served from 2002-2012 as a combat engineer. In 2010 he deployed to Afghanistan and conducted route clearance operations in the Kandahar Province. He worked as a corrections officer and then corrections sergeant during his 10 years with the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department. He became the Waupaca County Veterans Service officer in 2014.

During his speech, Cuff recited “I Have a Rendezvous With Death” written by Alan Seeger.

A color guard of American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars veterans led the parade to the cemetery, with Leroy Ashauer as the parade marshal.

A wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Memorial Circle Bridge.

Mayor Lois Bressette was master of ceremonies for the cemetery program, and Dan Rindt, commander of American Legion Post 63, was the officer of the day.

Former Mayor Judith Magee read the list of names for the deceased veterans from the past year. Tom Martin, president of the village of Embarrass, recited the Gettysburg Address.

The Clintonville High School Band presented the national anthem and other patriotic music under the direction of Josh Heyer. Makayla Easley sang “America the Beautiful.”

Pastor Patrick Kloehn, Calvary Apostolic Church, delivered the invocation and the benediction.

The rifle squad salute was commanded by retired Marine Duane Zabel.

The program was repeated at the Embarrass Cemetery.