News
Honoring those who gave all
Scott Wagar
05/29/2012
Bottineau’s Memorial Day was filled with love, respect, honor and duty on Monday as military personal, veterans and community members came together to remember those who gave their lives in service to their country.
The Remembrance Day started with a parade in honor of those who never returned home from the combat zones they fought in while defending the freedoms of others.
During the parade, the procession stopped at St. Mark’s Catholic Church where a ceremony was held at the Four Chaplains Monument. Father Paul Schuster gave the prayer at the ceremony, the Ladies VFW Auxiliary Post No. 8688 laid a wreath and Alberto Moncera, Marlyss Jostad and Halie Mastvelton performed a musical presentation.
From St. Mark’s, the parade continued to the Oak Creek Bridge on Highway 5 where a similar ceremony took place and the Auxiliary dropped rose petals into the creek in honor of the military personal that lost their lives at sea.
The parade procession then marched to Oak Creek Cemetery. Sen. David O’Connell gave the address where he spoke on the characteristics of a soldier.
“It is truly fitting that Americans who live in a nation of laws may disagree on action and debates the issues of policy. But none of us can forget the character and sacrifices of those who do their country’s will and answer the call to duty,” O’Connell said. “Their courage cannot be challenged. Their dedication cannot be defamed. Their glory cannot be tarnished, and their devotion to God and country cannot be surpassed.”
Bottineau’s National Guard conducted a 21-gun salute, Marlyss Jostad and Karlee McCloud performed “Taps” and Doug Bremmer played “Amazing Graze.”
The event ended with a meal served for the veterans and those who participated in the parade.