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Memorial Day event attendees reflect on veterans’ service

Red, white and blue had special meaning for about 100 people who gathered in Smithville’s Independent Order of Odd Fellows Cemetery this Memorial Day.

Some were veterans. Some were veterans’ family and friends. Some just felt patriotic.

Regardless of what brought them there, they sat in lawn chairs and visited graves for a similar reason, a reason that was echoed throughout the American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 58’s annual program.

As guest speaker Marty Leners, a U.S. Army lieutenant colonel put it, “Today we pause to honor veterans’ service and thank God for their sacrifice.”

Those in attendance during the Monday, May 25, event sang “God Bless America,” watched a balloon release in honor of veterans missing in action and listened to speeches, including ones with reminders that freedom isn’t free.

Bob Lee, who served in the Army during the Vietnam War, reflected on his family during the program, he said following the event.

“This takes me back to my father, who served during World War I, and then my brother, who served in World War II,” said Lee, who wore a white T-shirt that pictured an American flag. “It’s a time for stopping and remembering and being thankful.”

The event served as a time for passing on family military history for the Frick family.

Linda Frick recently discovered discharge papers belonging to her father, Russell West, from wars that have been over for several decades, including the Korean War.

She wanted her son, Christopher Frick, to have them. So she brought the old, yellow and torn papers, which were wrapped in worn-out leather, to the program. She handed them to her son as a way of passing them on down the family.

The Memorial Day program is an annual event for Connie Murphy.

Her father, Eugene Shepherd, served in the Army during the 1940s and was buried in the cemetery.

The program is a nice way to reflect on those who have served, she said.

Days such as Memorial Day are important to her.

“It’s a good way to show appreciation. Really, we could all probably be more appreciative than we are,” she said.

FLAG INITIATIVE in Smithville

Did you notice the American flags in downtown Smithville this past weekend?
It’s a new patriotism initiative of American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 58.
The initiative involves flying flags downtown near Memorial Day, Flag Day, July 4, Labor Day and Veterans Day.
While the flag effort is starting downtown, organizers hope to expand it to U.S. Highway 169.
Individuals can purchase a flag for $55. Flags can carry tags in honor of veterans or any loved one or group.
For more information, contact Carlene Bruce at 805-6080.
To purchase a flag, make checks payable to American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 58 and mail them to P.O. Box 134, Smithville MO 64089.
The auxiliary will store the flags.

Smithville Editor Nancy Hull
Rigdon can be reached at 532-4444 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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