KANE — The Kane Memorial Day celebration at Memorial Point in Evergreen Park, presented by the King David VFW Post 1132, not only remembered those who died for our country, or those who have served or are still serving, but also those who never came home classified as either “Missing in Action” or “Lost at Sea.”
And VFW officers made good on the promise of “You are not forgotten” emblazoned on the POW-MIA flag.
After Mayor Yogi Osmer welcomed the crowd, sharing his appreciation of their attendance, the Kane Area High School marching band played the National Anthem.
The Rev. Bruce Kumher of the First Baptist Church in Kane offered the invocation at Monday’s ceremony, reminding all those in attendance to remember the sacrifices of those who died in service to our country, those who were taken captive, the veterans who made it back and those still serving home and abroad in military service.
“Their sacrifice helped to keep us safe and free,” Kumher said.
King David VFW Post 1132 adjutant Bert Geibel recited the traditional General Logan’s General Order #11, which read “Let us, then, at the time appointed, gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime; let us raise above them the dear old flag they saved from dishonor; let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation’s gratitude — the soldier’s and sailor’s widow and orphan.”
After wreaths were placed by members of the VFW in front of the memorials, Eagle Scout Joe Marold of Boy Scout Troop 422 of Kane spoke of service, both to the community and to the country. Marold cited the original Boy Scout handbook written by Robert Baden-Powell, which stated scouting was a great way for a boy to serve his country.
Marold said honor is the most valuable possession, and scouts “pledge on our honor to serve you.” He said by serving the community, they honor the men and women in uniform “today and every day.”
VFW Commander Dave Swanson said there are approximately 83,000 soldiers still listed as either “Missing in Action” or “Lost at Sea.” Swanson said approximately 73,500 of those soldiers were from World War II; around 7,800 were from the Korean War; about 1,600 from the Vietnam War; and 126 from the Cold War to the present day.
Swanson also acknowledged the ceremony’s guest of honor, U.S. Army veteran William Englehart, who was a Prisoner of War for three years between 1950 and 1952 in a Chinese POW camp. He then quoted Englehart’s sentiments about war.
“In war, there are no winners or losers,” Swanson said. “Only the dead.”
A table set and draped with a POW-MIA flag, which is usually in the VFW’s dining room, was set up for the ceremony at The Point. Quartermaster Russ Counts discussed the significance of each of the items on the table.
Counts said the table, set for one, symbolizes “the frailty of one prisoner, alone against his or her oppressors.” The white tablecloth signifies the “purity of their intentions to respond to their country’s call to arms.” A single red rose in a vase is for the “families and loved ones of our comrades-in-arms who keep the faith awaiting their return,” while the vase itself, which is tied with a red ribbon, symbolizes their “continued determination to account for our missing.”
A slice of lemon on a bread plate was set to “remind us of the bitter fate of those captured or missing in a foreign land,” while the pinch of salt “symbolizes the countless fallen tears of families as they wait.” The glass was inverted, as “they cannot toast with us,” and the empty chair symbolizes their absence, Counts said.
The Kane Area High School band closed the ceremony with a poignant rendition of “Taps” as the King David VFW Post 1132 firing squad offered a 21-gun salute.
Osmer emotionally reminded everyone before they attended a picnic to “take a moment to say a prayer.”
“God bless you,” Osmer said. “God bless America.”
