"Ceremony Emphasizes True Meaning of Memorial Day"

 

"Teaching, learning, and understanding the true meaning of Memorial Day was the focus of Monday’s annual Van Wert American Legion Post 178 Memorial Day service at Woodland Cemetery.

The keynote speaker, Stephanie Renner, a teacher and Veterans Day program coordinator at Lincolnview, delivered a powerful address to a well-attended ceremony on a cool, windy, and cloudy Memorial Day morning.

“To many, Memorial Day just seems to be another holiday off of work,” Renner remarked. “Do our children really know what today means? Do they understand the profound impact of losing someone they love who selflessly served others? This is why understanding Memorial Day is crucial for not only our youth but for our community to come together, remember, and support those grieving. We must acknowledge all who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect those they will never meet.”

Renner continued, “On Memorial Day, we remember the fallen who gave their lives for our nation. We honor their bravery, sacrifice, and dedication in the line of duty. If we don’t remember our veterans, then what were their sacrifices for?”

She emphasized the importance of educating future generations about the true meaning of being a veteran—their sacrifices, leaving behind their families, friends, and jobs without asking for anything in return.

Renner also highlighted the significance of asking veterans about their stories to ensure future generations never forget what was done to make the United States the greatest country in the world.

During her speech, Renner shared personal stories about her great-grandfather, Lawrence Gehres, who served in World War I, and her grandfathers, Vernon C. Kill, who served in the U.S. Army during World War II, and Richard Gehres, a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. She recounted that Kill was a man who would do anything for his loved ones but passed away before she could meet him.

“Although he did not die on a battlefield, the injuries he sustained in World War II ultimately cost him his life,” Renner said. “From reading his letters home to speaking with family members, I learned that my grandfather made significant sacrifices during World War II. These sacrifices earned him many medals and commendations, including two Purple Hearts.”

She described Kill’s efforts to save his men when he was shot on a bridge by a Nazi tank and his decision to return to the front line after barely surviving his injuries, only to be injured again.

Renner shared that she lost her other grandfather on Memorial Day in 2011 and described him as one of the most important people in her life.

“He was incredibly special and taught me so many things, including my love for this country and the importance of honoring our veterans,” Renner stated. “He was so special to me that I brought him in for show-and-tell in elementary school on a day when we were supposed to bring in something that meant the most to us.”

She went on to say that those who knew him affectionately called him “Grandpa Chubby.” He was dedicated to honoring veterans, often taking his family to parades, celebrations, and programs to show how they should be revered. Renner shared the emotional events of May 30, 2011, the day her grandfather, Gehres, passed away. Gehres had planned to attend a Memorial Day program that day but called to say he wasn’t feeling well. A squad was called, and he was taken to the hospital. 

“They informed us he had a massive heart attack and weren’t sure how he even survived,” Renner said. “Lutheran Lifeflight was called due to the extent of the damage to get him to the hospital as quickly as possible in Fort Wayne. The flight crew told everyone they ‘had the most special passenger aboard, a World War II veteran,’ and Grandpa thought that was wonderful as he always had a love for flying.

“When we left the hospital to head to Lutheran, my grandpa gave my mom a thumbs up and said, ‘Don’t forget to put my flag out before you head to Lutheran.’ Even in the midst of everything, he was worried about not having the flag up. Little did we know that within the next few minutes, he would have a second heart attack. The Lifeflight nurse never stopped doing compressions on my grandpa the entire flight and later told us all he wanted to do was save this World War II veteran on Memorial Day.”

“Memorial Day is so important, and we must make it our duty to preserve this day of remembrance for those who come after us,” she added.

American Legion Post 178 Commander Ken Myers provided opening remarks, noting that veterans have three days they look forward to, yet cringe at the same time: Armed Forces Day (the third Saturday of May), Veterans Day (November 11), and Memorial Day (the final Monday of May).

“Today is Memorial Day, and we celebrate those who made the ultimate sacrifice with their lives for our freedom,” Myers said. “While most will be celebrating with a barbecue or get-together of some sort, please take a moment to pay tribute to those who are not here to enjoy this day any longer.”

Monday’s service also included patriotic music by the Paul Hoverman Group, the placing of the wreath by Renner and her son Carter Renner, a 21-gun salute, taps, the invocation and benediction by Dick Elder, and the firing of one cannon volley in honor of Civil War veterans who died in combat.

After the ceremony, a free luncheon was held for all at Post 178.

In addition to the ceremony in Van Wert, other services were held around the area, including in Ohio City, Convoy, Willshire, and Venedocia. Read more..