Fallen Soldiers Honored in Sigourney

SIGOURNEY –  “They will not be forgot. Whether it’s an hour ago or a century ago, we remember,” said Don Lane at a Memorial Day program held at the Sigourney Community Outreach Center on the morning of Memorial Day. The program began with an invocation read by Pastor Jim Stout, followed by a singing of the National Anthem, a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, and a reading of the names of deceased local veterans by Army Vietnam Veteran Leroy James. Lane, who served in the Navy during Vietnam, then gave the main address, explaining the history of memorial day and telling stories of local soldiers who passed away in the line of duty. “We honor the heroes of all wars, not just on Memorial Day, but through our daily commitment to ensure that America remains a worthy place for such sacrifice,” said Lane.

“Each of you, in your heart, has somebody in your mind that you are remembering today. Probably quite a few somebodies for each of us,” Lane said, concluding his address. “Let us reflect on their courage, their sacrifice, their dedication to a cause greater than themselves. And let us recommit ourselves to the cause of freedom, justice and democracy so that the legacy of our fallen heroes will live on for generations to come. We continue to mourn their loss. But most of all, we celebrate their lives. Thank you. God bless America, and God bless those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.”

The event concluded with a singing of the Battle Hymn of the Republic and a Benediction by Pastor Stout. “Earlier, Don Lane described the soldiers we served with as comrades, and I disagree with that,” said Stout, who served in the Navy. “When thinking of the many, many young folks that I was with in my 20 years of military activity who are gone now, they weren’t comrades. It was a brotherhood. And in some ways it’s closer than family ties. Their names and their faces will remain in my heart forever.”