Memorial Day services pay solemn tribute to the fallen

In a time to remember, the communities of Cadott, Cornell and Holcombe, will host ceremonies May 31, to honor those who gave their lives in service of their country.

For Cadott, services begin at 10 a.m., at the Brooklawn Cemetery, and afterward, a service at 11 a.m. at the Bohemian National Cemetery. Parking for the Bohemian Cemetery will be at the Crescent Landscaping area.

The services begin with an invocation by Pastor George Olinske, who presides over the Brooklawn ceremony, while Jackie Holub will direct the Bohemian portion of the day.

The National Anthem will be then be played by the Cadott High School band, under the direction of Nick Peters. The Pledge of Allegiance will then be led by area Boy Scouts, followed by the Gettysburg Address, recited by Jordan Peters. Afterward, Kaleb Sonnentag will read In Flander’s Field.

Speaking to those assembled, will be Mike Riedel, 10th District Commander of the American Legion. The band will then perform Eternal Father, prior to Olinske giving the benediction.

A military salute will then take place from the American Legion Post 159/VFW Post 6005, followed by TAPS, played by Peter Weir.

After the services conclude, a potluck luncheon will be at the Bohemian Hall. In the event of inclement weather, the services will be combined and will take place at the Cadott Lions Club in East Riverview Park.

Kicking off the services for Cornell-Holcombe, a 9 a.m. memorial program will be held at the Holcombe Cemetery, with the color and honor guards to present the colors, as well as a firing salute. TAPS will also be played in recognition of the fallen soldiers.

Afterward, veterans will line up at 10:30 a.m., on Seventh Street and Main in Cornell, for a parade down Main Street at 11 a.m. The memorial programs will then continue, with ceremonies at the Cornell Cemetery at noon; the Cleveland Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.; the Estella Cemetery at 2 p.m.; and the Martin Mission Cemetery at 2:30 p.m.

“Your presence on Main Street and the cemetery is a representation of who we are as a people, ‘lest we forget,’” said coordinator Ronnie Arts. “See you on Memorial Day.”