Memorial Day highlights
In her welcoming remarks, Tracy Mayor Pam Cooreman reminded the crowd at Tracy’s Memorial Day program of the distinction of each of the military days we celebrate.
“Armed Forces Day for those still in uniform, Veteran’s Day for those that hung up their uniform and the reason we’re here today, Memorial Day, for those that never made it out of their uniform,” Cooreman said. “We pay tribute to all those men and women that paid the ultimate price when they put on their lives on the line for our freedom. May you and your families be safe, happy and always be grateful.”
This sentiment continued in guest speaker Sgt. Maj. Reid Kimball’s Memorial Day remarks. Shortly after coming to the podium, Kimball put his prepared speech aside and chose to speak from the heart.
“This is a day of remembrance and it’s a big deal to everyone,” Kimball said. “It’s a big deal for everyone in the military and to the families and loved ones of all those that didn’t make it home. Every Memorial Day, people that know my service stop and thank me. I kindly accept their gratefulness for my service and appreciate that. This day isn’t for me. Today is the day for those that didn’t make it home.”
Kimball then took the opportunity to read the names of and reflect on each of the soldiers from Tracy that didn’t make it home since WWI.
Sue and Jim Kuel provided the list names as they have put many hours into the memorial at the VMC and the soldiers that are listed there.
“It’s important that we take the time to read these names,” Kimball said. “It’s important to take the time to remember those that didn’t come back. If we don’t take the time to remember why they didn’t come back, we’re doomed to live it again.”
The Tracy American Legion Post 173 presented awards for continuous American Legion membership to Donald Hanson, 50 years; Larry Bornitz, 50 years; and Dennis Campbell, 60 years.
The Tracy American Legion Post also recognized those veterans who had passed in the previous year, and Dave Kosse was recognized for his years as the Honor Guard Commander as he is retiring from that role.
The National Anthem was preformed by Tracy Area High School students Xander Brinkley, Elsie Knott, Cohen Radke, Owen Beier and Noah Schmidt.
The invocation and benediction were given by Chaplain Justin Stoks. After the ceremony, wreathes were placed by Commander David Dieter and Jane Wahl with the American Legion Auxiliary.
THOSE HONORED MONDAY for their continuous Legion membership were, from left: Donald Hanson, Larry Bornitz and Dennis Campbell, pictured here with Dave Dieter, commander of the Tracy American Legion.
SGT. MAJ. REID KIMBALL gave the keynote address at Monday’s Memorial Day service in Tracy.
