Story originally printed in the Coulee News or online at www.couleenews.com
Published - Friday, May 29, 2009
Kapanke marks Memorial Day in West Salem
In a somber Memorial Day observance at Village Park in West Salem Monday morning, state Sen. Dan Kapanke, R-La Crosse, gave the main address. He began by noting that America as a nation is truly blessed by God and that people from all over the world have wanted to come here because they recognize the freedoms and the opportunities available.
He added that the country has been blessed with many great leaders — presidents like Washington, Lincoln, Truman, Roosevelt and Reagan. But there have been many others who have served who were not as famous.
Kapanke said the Bible verse about there being “no greater love” than that of someone willing to lay down his or her life for a friend was particularly appropriate as the country remembers its fallen heroes. As an example of that kind of selflessness he told the story of a private at Pearl Harbor who ignored wounds from two .50 caliber machine gun bullets to make sure another soldier made it to the hospital.
“As I look out here today I see a lot of military uniforms - and I see true American heroes,” Kapanke concluded.
 The three winners of the West Salem American Legion's Americanism essay contest are, from left, Avery Strangstalien, Anna Lord and Abby Friell. Lord was awarded first place for her essay and all three students got the chance to read their essays as part of the Memorial Day observance. Photo by Mike Martin |
Prior to Kapanke’s speech, three West Salem fifth-graders - Anna Lord, Abby Freill and Avery Strangstalien read their award-winning Americanism essays.
In addition, two students — Krissa Roggensack and Brittney Daniels — received scholarships from the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 51. Roggensack was presented with a $250 scholarship and Daniels received a scholarship worth $500.
After the ceremony and the retiring of the colors, a potluck lunch was served at the West Salem American Legion post on Leonard Street.
Memorial Day essay winners
We have had soldiers to thank since the beginning of our country. The patriots fought for freedom from England during the American Revolution. Soldiers fought to keep our country together during the Civil War. Armed men have worked with women to solve world conflicts throughout World War II and the Korean, Vietnam and Iraqi wars. All of these people, past and present, deserve to be honored by Americans today.
All Americans should honor people of the armed forces because of all of the sacrifices they have made. Soldiers have had to move away from their families and friends. Sometimes they never come back. They also give up other jobs and the feeling of safety. Some other things that soldiers have to sacrifice are freedoms, fun, individual space, and modern day conveniences.
We all have these freedoms, thanks to soldiers. We are free to express our feelings in this country. We can practice our own religion. We can also marry who we want, go to college, and take whatever job we want.
Right now our world is in crisis. We are at war in Iraq. The drug problem in Mexico is really bad. Then there are the terrorists throughout the world that we all have to worry about. On 9/11 the attack was unexpected. Since we never know if another attack will happen, our armed forces have to be prepared.
All soldiers, past and present, should be respected. Without our soldiers, we wouldn’t enjoy our civil liberties or be protected from terrorists. I have, and always will, honor American Veterans.
This country would still be under British rule if soldiers had not fought and won the American Revolution. Many soldiers sacrificed life and limb to protect our freedom and choice to live as we desired, which was the birth of democracy.
Many soldiers not only risk their lives but they have to leave their families, homes, and jobs in order to keep me safe.
I am honored that two close family members have served in the military. My grandfather served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He was a signalman on the USS Wainright in the South Pacific. His brother was also serving in that part of the world but they had not seen each other in a long time. His brother was in the SeaBee’s. Their job was to build runways and buildings really fast for soldiers to work in. Once, my grandfather came into the port of the Admiral T islands and he used his signalman skills to send a message to the island to ask if his brother was stationed there. He was, and they were able to spend some time together.
My mother also served in the military. She was a medic in the U.S. Air Force for fourteen years and was called to duty from the reserves during Desert Storm, where she took care of many soldiers young and old.
Now our soldiers are fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan and many have been injured, killed, and they have had to spend a lot of time away from their families. Hopefully President Obama will be able to bring all of our soldiers home soon.
I am Proud to be an American!
Hard work and true determination
Led us guided to this point
The colors of liberty ring
O’er farms and cities
O’er cobalt mountain
O’er rivers and sunlit valleys
The truth resides
That only one word gives this description
America
America
The connotation the same
For all who can say
They wore their uniforms
Willing to shed blood
For a nation of justice
Guns cried out bulleted fury
On days when America was questioned
Dedication decided our fate
Of Great Britain, our win
Our freedom regained
Americans own no man
Americans tell no lies
Americans love one another like brothers
America
America
Such true beauty cannot be described
With the words of one’s mouth
Or the pictures from one’s machine
But spoken from one’s heart
As true as a soldier’s heart
Deep and true
Can tell you of America
Love for a nation so very clear
It shan’t be beaten
There are those that say
They would rather live in another country
North, South, East, of West
Know in their hearts
They are lucky to live in America
Who knows what possibly could happen
Looking outward, looking forward
Ahead of time
For the red, white, and blue
Who’s to say, in fact
It will get better
Than what before has occurred
But w all know that the future is bright
And love surrounds us
So we will stand up united
And fight off all evil
And let God’s holy light shine through the darkened days
Because we are
The United States of America!
All stories copyright 2006 Coulee News and other attributed sources.