A Centralia Police Officer and Army National Guard member who recently returned from a year of service in Kuwait shared the stories of some of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the Elmwood Cemetery Memorial Day Service on Saturday.
Andrew Brandt noted sacrifice comes along with those who follow a life of service. He joined the National Guard at 17 between his junior and senior years of high school and then pursued Military Police training after graduation.
Brandt noted there is no greater sacrifice than to offer your life for the greater good of your country.
“We must continue to share their stories and to remember what they sacrificed for the rest of us because few men and few women choose to put their lives on the line to serve and defend the Constitution in this nation. Few go toward danger. Few willing face atrocities most of us cannot fathom. Few volunteer to serve knowing death could be the outcome. But we can assure those that make that choice and make the ultimate sacrifice can rest knowing they served with the grateful thanks of citizens knowing it won’t be forgotten.”
Brandt shared the story of one such man who is buried in Hillcrest Memorial Park. Marine Robert E. Wilson was serving with his unit in August 1944 as they proceeded to an area where the Japanese soldiers were believed hiding in the rocks. His Medal of Honor, issued after his death, noted how Wilson yelled out to his fellow Marines and then fell on the grenade sacrificing his life so the rest could survive.
Brandt closed his message by reading the names of 13 service members he had met while in Kuwait that gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving in Afghanistan.
The ceremony also includes the Placing of the Wreaths, the Three Volleys Salute, and the Playing of Taps. Boy Scouts Troop #260 led the Pledge of Allegiance, Reverend Val Powe offered a prayer, and Joey Taylor provide the National Anthem and other music.
Centralia VFW and American Legion Color Guard Post the Colors to open the ceremony.
Boy Scout Troop #260 leads the Pledge of Allegiance.
Centralia Mayor Bryan Kuder (left) and Wamac Mayor Jackie ‘Butch’ Mathus after the Placing of the Wreaths.
Three Volleys Salute by VFW and American Legion Color Guard followed by the playing of TAPS.
