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Large crowd attends Memorial Day program in Kane |
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Written by Publisher
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Tuesday, 26 May 2009 |
Photo by Ted Lutz
These dignitaries took part in the annual Memorial Day program held Monday at Evergreen Park in Kane. The group includes, left to right, seated: the Rev. Phil Pinczewski, pastor of St. Callistus Catholic Church, who gave the invocation; Gerald Ackley, commander of Kane American Legion Post 250, parade marshal; and Ken Holmes, U.S. Army veteran, Memorial Day speaker; standing: Jared Ishman, Eagle Scout with Troop 422, Boy Scout memorial remarks; Jim Gibson, American Legion member, parade chairman; Kane Mayor Doug Caldwell, master-of-ceremonies; and Russ Counts, commander of the Kane Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1132, president of the day.
By Ted Lutz
Republican Staff
Perfect weather with 70-degree temperatures, sunny skies and a breeze brought out a large crowd Monday for the annual Memorial Day parade and program in Kane.
Ken Holmes, assistant postmaster at the Kane Post Office who served in the U.S. Army for more than 16 years, gave the Memorial Day message at the program at the memorial area of Evergreen Park.
"We must never forget the sacrifices that have paved the way to peace," Holmes said in his remarks. He said the sacrifices involve "not only of the veteran, but the families and communities themselves."
"This is a blessed day," Holmes said in reference to Memorial Day. He said Memorial Day is "a day of memory of those who served" and who have made a "sacrifice no matter how great or small."
Holmes said those who have served in the military in the past and are serving today have enabled the country to "maintain" its "way of life" and remain "free and strong."
"We are fortunate to be the most powerful and prosperous nation on earth," Holmes said.
Holmes, a past commander of the American Legion in Kane as well the McKean and Cameron Legion, urged Kane residents to "say 'thank you' to a veteran" for their service to their country.
"I am a soldier," Holmes said proudly. "I did my duty."
Kane Mayor Doug Caldwell served as master-of-ceremonies for the program. Eagle Scout Jared Ishman of Troop 422 gave the Boy Scout memorial presentation.
The Rev. Phil Pinczewski, pastor of St. Callistus Catholic Church in Kane, gave the invocation.
The Kane HIgh School Marching Band, under the direction of Joe Thornburg, played several patriotic songs. Russ Counts, commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1132 in Kane, served as president of the day. Gerald Ackley, commander of American Legion Post 250 in Kane, served as parade marshal.
Jim Gibson of the American Legion served as chairman of the parade and program committee. Counts and Gibson placed six wreaths in the memorial area at Evergreen Park.
The VFW Firing Squad gave a 21-gun salute. Dan Hanson, Kane High band member, played taps on the trumpet. Steve Guadagnino, also a Kane HIgh band member, played the echo taps on the trumpet.
The parade prior to the program included the Kane High School Marching Band, fire trucks from the Kane Volunteer Fire Department and several groups and vehicles.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 12 June 2009 )
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