La Cygne Memorial Day service focuses on honoring veterans

La Cygne-area residents join in singing "God Bless America" led by Bill Foil, right. Dozens attended the Memorial Day service Monday morning at Oaklawn Cemetery. (Photos by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal)

LA CYGNE – Dozens of area residents gathered for the Memorial Day service at Oaklawn Cemetery on Monday, May 25, in a tribute to veterans both living and those who had made the ultimate sacrifice.

David Houston was master of ceremonies for the event that featured a speech by Ed Smith, an Air Force veteran who was in Germany during the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Bill Foil, veteran area pastor sang and led those gathered in "God Bless America." And several veterans in attendance were recognized for their contribution.

The event ended with a gun salute and the playing of "Echo Taps" between two trumpets across the field. The ceremony was followed by the now-traditional community lunch at the La Cygne Christian Church.

La Cygne City Councilmember Ed Smith is the guest speaker for the event. A U.S. Air Force veteran, he was stationed in Germany when the Berlin Wall came down.

Members of the color guard include, from right, veterans Jim Farris and Ron Price, and Will Caldwell, who is a member of the U.S. Army Reserve.

Matlidah Dondo, pastor of the La Cygne and New Lancaster United Methodist Churches, gives the invocation.

Flag-bearers for the ceremony include, from right, Mike Hansard, George Nunnemacher, and Bill Marchand.

Jim Farris recounts his military service during the program. At right, David Houston, master of ceremonies, invited all veterans present to introduce themselves and talk briefly about their experience.

Bill Foil, a well-know area pastor, leads the singing of "God Bless America."

Trumpet player Sam Clark and his father Mitch Clark in the distance play "Echo Taps" at the end of the ceremony.