In his Memorial Day address, Lt. Colonel Joseph Sanganoo said that we can never repay servicemen who lost their lives in service to our country, but they can be honored by living in a style that is worthy of their sacrifice.
Sanganoo, who serves in the Minnesota National Guard, was the keynote speaker at the Cleveland’s Memorial Day program, which was held at Calvary Cemetery on Monday.
“Today we gather on this sacred ground under the flag of a nation that still breathes because others gave their last breath for it,” said Lt. Colonel Joseph Sanganoo. “We stand not only among tombstones but amidst told and untold stories of courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to something far greater than oneself. Today we honor the extraordinary brothers and sisters in arms who sacrificed their today, their chance to embrace their family, to watch their children grow, take their first steps, go off to kindergarten, or to teach them how to ride a bicycle or parallel park…their sacrifices come at a cost we just cannot repay.”
But Sanganoo, who went on to give examples of Minnesotans who lost their lives in 20th century conflicts, said members of the U.S. military who have died in service to the nation can still be honored through not only assisting people in military uniforms but by performing everyday acts of kindness.
“Supporting neighbors, mentoring youth, fighting injustice and caring deeply for the vulnerable. We share respect not only for our nation's symbols but for the dignity of each individual we encounter, irrespective of their background, their beliefs or their birthplace…We must hold ourselves responsible to standards worthy of their sacrifice, ensuring our leaders and our institutions hold values that these brave men and women deemed worth defending. We are their living legacy.”
Also during the Memorial Day program, Legion member Andy Queen led the Pledge of Allegiance. Legion chaplain Eric Hansen gave the invocation and benediction.
Queen and Annie Hiller and honored the deceased with Queen reading the names of the “comrades” who passed away within the last five years: Don Krenik, Raphael Malecha, Lowen Richter, Rudy Kaupa, Daryl Heldberg, Tim Simonette, Art Poll, Don Krueger, Carl Weinandt, Gerald Queen, Bill McCabe, Mel Goede, Russ Lloyd, Don Mathews, Clayton Block, Bill Sexe, Paul Siebert, John T. Kluntz and Tim Kupcho.
Placing the memorial wreaths were Queen representing Legion Post 207, Becky Michels representing Auxiliary Unit 207 and Greg Davis representing the Sons of the American Legion 207.
Davis reminded the sizable crowd that this year is the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.
“Many of the Sons of American Legion members are sons of men and women who participated in that war,” said Davis, whose mother, Captain Georgia Davis, was a decorated WWII nurse who served in the European campaign through Italy.
Cleveland Cub Scouts Pack 15 posted and retired the colors while Boy Scout Troop 68 performed the flag-folding ceremony.
Directed by Erik Hermanson, the Junior High Select Band provided music. Eighth grader August Keltgen played taps.
Above: Legion member Leonard Seitz stands at attention beside a Cub Scout.
