Memorial Day parade a tribute to our fallen

By Anne Eickstadt

ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTOS Belvidere Republican
With flags flying bravely, Veteran’s Honor Guard leads off Belvidere’s Memorial Day Parade.

EDITOR

VFW Post 1461 and the American Legion Post 77 organized the Memorial Day Parade in Belvidere. Veterans carrying flags led off the parade followed by Police Chief Woody and Sheriff Ernest. Robert Ryder of the Belvidere Veterans Assistance Administration came next, then Belvidere and Boone County notables and the Belvidere High School band. The band was followed by Boy Scout Pack 177 and Cub Scout Pack 77. The Belvidere Fire Dept. Engine 101 ended the parade with police cars flanking the procession. Many members of the community lined State Street to watch the parade and be a part of the Memorial Day ceremony at the bridge.

VFW Commander Greg Kelm officiated as the Master of Ceremonies. He began, “Thanksgiving is a day when we pause to give thanks for all we have. Memorial Day is a day we pause and give thanks and remember all the people who fought for all the things we have. Many paid with their very young lives.

“It is the Soldier, not the minister who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the Soldier, not the reporter who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the Soldier, not the poet who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer who has given us freedom to protest.

It is the Soldier, not the lawyer who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the Soldier, not the politician who has given us the right to vote.

It is the Soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag who allows the protester to burn the flag.”

He introduced Ann Selma Castro, a Gold Star family sister. Her brother, served in the 355th Infantry in Germany. He died on Feb. 25, 1945 while fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. Commander Kelm offered her…

For complete article, pick up the May 30 Belvidere Republican.