Memorial Day Observed In Stanley
American Legion Charles Hartman Post #134 held Memorial Day Services in Stanley on Monday, May 26 in the Stanley High School gym. Following a welcome by commander Karen Babbitt and the presentation of the colors by the Post Color Guard, the crowd recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The invocation was given by Milo Mell.
The guest speaker for the day was Superintendent of Schools Tim Holte. He reminded those attending that the day was not just one on the calendar or a holiday, but rather a time to set aside for the solemn remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Communities around the nation gather on this day because they understand that freedom has never been free, but rather earned. Memorial Day should be more than tradition, but celebrated with purpose. They help shape us with duty and integrity, and remind us to also be in service to others and our country.
Many know someone who left their homes to wear the uniform. Service is not abstract but personal. Sons and daughters traded their life in their small communities, many from the farm fields to the battlefields. Holte noted that as he grows older he reflects more on the voices and traditions that helped shape those meanings of patriotism and service.
He spoke of his fondness for Paul Harvey and the Rest of the Story. In 1978 he spoke to the FFA with “So God Made A Farmer”, honoring those that tended the land. In 2013 Norm Van Ness altered the words to create “So God Made A Soldier”. Holte referenced these lines from that speech: “And on the 8th day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, “I need a protector.” So God made a soldier.” He needed someone to wake up early, train hard so far from home, defend liberty, and run toward danger when others run away.
Holte reflected on the qualities of duty for love of country and the future they traded for us. We need to honor their lives with gratitude and purpose, show up and strengthen our communities. As educators, he said, in a world that moves so quickly with so many distractions, it is important to help students also learn those traits of citizenship, the liberties paid for by those soldiers for freedom, democracy and justice. Patriotism requires participation.
He also reflected on the way the nation honors the fallen on Memorial Day. Flags are set at half staff from sunrise to noon to signify mourning and the deep loss as a nation of those fallen. The flag rises at noon to reflect the national resolve that these sacrifices were not made in vain. Instead, we commit to carrying on and working to be worthy of their legacy. It captures the spirit of mourning, remembrance and rising again with purpose.