A retired decorated Colonel of the US Army told the Salem Memorial Day program the purpose of the holiday was to remember those who didn’t come back.
Wyett Colclasure spent 30 years in the US Army before retiring in 1994. He is the son of a career military father and his own son recently retired after a military career as well.
He noted while war deaths are reported in numbers, each of those numbers 1 by 1 has a dramatic impact on individual families.
Colclasure says modern weapons are also resulting in more returning home with lifelong injuries.
“Ever since Korea and the beginning of med-evac many more of the wounded now make it home than would even survive the day in times before. As military weapons become more deadly, and military resources and technology more powerful, we have many more maimed Veterans and their families living among us. Their sacrifice and grief continue. Make sure your a friend and celebrate their life and values while you can.”
Colclasure also noted our freedom depends on everyone’s involvement.
“Don’t say thank you for your service to a Veteran and NOT vote…many have died to ensure you have that privilege, don’t waste it. And lastly contribute. You can’t repay those we honor today directly, but you can help someone else when you leave here. Donate to or volunteer with a Veterans Service Agency. And be patient every time you have to wait for an old Veteran to cross the street. Be glad he or she is still here to remind us of the cost.”
Colclasure told those in attendance ‘Thank you for remembering’, noting it would be terrible to be forgotten.
The program began with a Welcome from Salem American Legion Commander Ray Reagan, an invocation from Auxiliary Chaplin Paul Womack, a Flag Raising Ceremony from the American Legion Auxiliary, and the singing of the National Anthem from Allyson Murphy. The Little Egypt Brass later played the Armed Forces Medley Salute and the Memorial Wreath was presented by Auxiliary President Jennifer Burge and Chaplin Joyce Lusch. The program concluded with a 21 gun salute by the American Legion Honor Guard and Taps by Tom Baker before Auxiliary Vice-President Janie Grimes provided closing remarks.
The Salem American Legion and Auxiliary raise the flags as the ceremony begins. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Little Egypt Brass performs the Armed Forces Medley Salute. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Auxiliary President Jennifer Burge places the wreath. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
American Legion Honor Guard performs the Gun Salute. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
